In the thrilling opener of MLC 2024 at Morrisville, MI New York commenced their title defense with a resounding victory over the Seattle Orcas. Winning the toss and opting to bowl on a challenging pitch, MI New York’s star bowlers Rashid Khan and Trent Boult shone brightly, each claiming three wickets to restrict the Orcas to a mere 108 runs. This modest target was swiftly chased down in just 14.2 overs, thanks to Nicholas Pooran’s explosive unbeaten 62 off 37 deliveries.
Boult set the tone early, striking in the first over to dismiss Nauman Anwar, who edged one behind. He struck again soon after, removing Quinton de Kock with a clever delivery that induced a leading edge safely into Pooran’s gloves. Rashid Khan joined the party in the PowerPlay’s final over, trapping Aaron Jones LBW with a well-pitched delivery. His crucial moment came when he sent Heinrich Klaasen back to the pavilion with a well-executed plan, catching him at deep mid-wicket.
Shubham Ranjane was the lone fighter for the Orcas, contributing 35 runs in a bid to stabilize their innings. However, with Boult and Rashid continuing to chip away, supported by captain Kieron Pollard’s two wickets, the Orcas folded with four balls remaining in their allotted overs.
MI New York’s chase began with some early hiccups, losing openers Ruben Clinton and Monank Patel cheaply to Cameron Gannon’s bowling. However, Pooran’s aggressive approach turned the tide, forging a crucial 41-run partnership with Shayan Jahangir. Pooran’s innings, laced with seven boundaries and two towering sixes, guided his team comfortably across the finish line with ample time to spare.
In summary, MI New York’s commanding performance in both bowling and batting secured them a convincing six-wicket victory over the Seattle Orcas in their opening match of MLC 2024.
Final scorecard:
Seattle Orcas: 108 all out in 19.2 overs (Shubham Ranjane 35; Rashid Khan 3-22, Trent Boult 3-25)
MI New York: 111/4 in 14.2 overs (Nicholas Pooran 62*; Cameron Gannon 2-40)