Washington Freedom Clinch High-Scoring Thriller Against Texas Super Kings

Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 served another T20 blockbuster as Washington Freedom edged past the Texas Super Kings in a high-scoring thriller at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. Powered by an 89-run masterclass from Mitchell Owen and an unbeaten 80 by Andries Gous*, Freedom chased 221 with just two balls to spare, winning by 7 wickets.

Washington Freedom VS Texas Super Kings in MLC 2025

Also Read : MLC 2025 Full Schedule, Fixtures & Key Matches

Washington Freedom vs Texas Super Kings Match Details

Date22th June 2025
VenueGrand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
TournamentMajor League Cricket 2025
MatchWashington Freedom vs Texas Super Kings (Match 13, MLC 2025)
TossWashington Freedom opted to field
Player of the MatchMitchell Owen (89 off 52 & 3/33)
ResultWashington Freedom won by 7 wickets

Match Overview

Batting first, Texas Super Kings posted a formidable 220/6, riding on Faf du Plessis’ explosive 69 off 31 and Milind Kumar’s handy 31 off 18. Washington Freedom’s response was electric, led by the dynamic Mitchell Owen (89 off 52) and a clinical 80 off 45 from Andries Gous*, as they chased down the target in 19.4 overs.

Match Analysis

Texas Super Kings Innings:

  • Faf du Plessis looked in sublime touch, blazing 69 off 31 with 8 fours and 4 sixes.
  • Late fireworks came from Milind Kumar (31 off 18) and Shubham Ranjane (26 off 10), pushing them to 220/6.
  • Mitchell Owen’s 3/33 was the pick of the bowlers, while Glenn Maxwell (2/35) provided key breakthroughs.
  • Extras hurt Texas, giving away 8 wides.

Washington Freedom Innings:

  • After the early loss of Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Owen dominated, playing aggressive yet calculated strokes.
  • Gous’ unbeaten 80 was the ideal foil—rotating strike, punishing loose deliveries, and ensuring no panic in the chase.
  • Glenn Phillips applied the finishing touches with a brisk 12 off 4*.
  • Texas bowlers, particularly Adam Milne (3/42), tried to apply pressure but were let down by inconsistent lines and a leaky defense at the death.

Team Strengths and Weaknesses

Washington Freedom

  • Strengths:
    • Deep batting order capable of chasing any target.
    • All-round brilliance of Mitchell Owen, making him a key player.
    • Versatile options with both spin (Maxwell) and seam (Owen, Netravalkar).
  • Weaknesses:
    • Bowling can be expensive against power-hitters.
    • Over-dependence on top-order partnerships.

Texas Super Kings

  • Strengths:
    • Aggressive top-order anchored by Faf du Plessis.
    • Experienced international players in both batting and bowling units.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Death bowling under pressure remains a major concern.
    • Over-reliance on the top three for big totals.

Key Performers

  • Mitchell Owen (Washington Freedom): 89 (52) & 3/33 (3 overs)
  • Andries Gous (Washington Freedom): 80* (45)
  • Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings): 69 (31)
  • Adam Milne (Texas Super Kings): 3/42 (4 overs)

Key Players to Watch

  • Washington Freedom: Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Andries Gous
  • Texas Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Adam Milne, Marcus Stoinis

Match and Pitch Report

The Dallas pitch proved a batting paradise, with both teams comfortably clearing the ropes. Bowlers who varied their pace—like Owen and Maxwell—found better results. Seamers faced challenges as dew may have played a role late in the innings.

Strategy and Game Plan

Texas Super Kings

  • Started with intent but lacked execution with the ball in hand, especially in the final overs.

Washington Freedom

  • Targeted the weaker bowlers and rotated strike cleverly, keeping the required run rate under control.

Where to Watch

Catch MLC 2025 live on Willow TV, with live streaming via ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz platforms for global audiences.

Match Umpires and Coaching Staff

  • On-field Umpires: Wayne Knights, Vijaya Mallela
  • TV Umpire: Marais Erasmus
  • Match Referee: Simon Taufell

Conclusion

Washington Freedom showcased why they are a force to reckon with in MLC 2025, displaying superb chasing ability under pressure. Mitchell Owen’s all-round brilliance and Gous’ composure were standout highlights. For Texas Super Kings, it’s a tough pill to swallow, as even a 220+ score wasn’t enough. Both teams will need sharper execution heading into the business end of the tournament.

Leave a Comment