Under Steven Smith’s captaincy, the Washington Freedom secured the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 championship with a commanding 96-run win over the San Francisco Unicorns in Dallas. Smith’s strategic leadership played a crucial role in their dominant performance throughout the match. The Freedom’s impressive victory highlighted their exceptional skills and teamwork, as they effectively outplayed the Unicorns to claim the title. Smith’s influence and the team’s overall excellence were key to their triumphant season.
Washington Freedom Maiden Title Win Against San Francisco Unicorns:
Washington Freedom clinched their first Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 title with a decisive 96-run victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in Dallas. Glenn Maxwell‘s stellar batting performance played a key role, while Marco Jansen dismantled the Unicorns’ chase, claiming three wickets including both openers. This win solidified Freedom’s reputation as the standout team of the season.
Having secured five group stage victories and advancing directly to the final after beating the Unicorns in the Qualifier, Freedom’s dominant display continued. A crucial 83-run standoff 39 balls between Steven Smith and Maxwell helped them amass 121 runs in the latter part of their innings.
Steven Smith overcame a slow start during the powerplay to score a robust 88 off 52 balls, including six sixes. After struggling with just 10 runs off 12 balls in the sixth over, he accelerated to a half-century off 34 balls. Smith ended the season as the joint second-highest run-scorer, tied with Travis Head, amassing 336 runs at a strike rate of 148.67. His innings gained momentum with Andries Gous’s support, although the match became tense when Haris Rauf dismissed Rachin Ravindra, leaving Freedom at 86 for 3.
Smith and Glenn Maxwell then shifted the balance, with Maxwell finding his form towards the end of the season. They scored 28 runs in the 13th over against Juanoy Drysdale. Smith showcased his flair with a stunning scoop for six off Rauf and was approaching a century when he was dismissed by a top edge off Pat Cummins.
Smith’s T20I career seems to be winding down after his World Cup omission and exclusion from the September squad facing Scotland and England, as selectors shift focus to emerging talent. Despite Maxwell’s dismissal by Josh Inglis in the next over, Freedom still managed to exceed 200 runs.
The Unicorns’ chase never gained momentum. Jake Fraser-McGurk’s underwhelming tournament ended when he was dismissed by Jansen, leaving him with just 81 runs at an average of 11.57. Both Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Allen fell during the powerplay, setting a challenging task. Sherfane Rutherford, after being dropped, was brilliantly caught by Ian Holland, and the rest of the batting collapsed under the mounting run rate.
Ricky Ponting About the Maiden Win:
Freedom’s win awarded Ricky Ponting his first coaching title shortly after his exit from the Delhi Capitals. This achievement came just weeks after leaving his previous role, demonstrating Ponting’s ability to quickly make a mark in his new position. His successful transition underscores his coaching expertise and impact in leading Freedom to the MLC 2024 championship.
Ricky Ponting said, “ What a tournament for the Washington Freedom family! Easily one of the best groups of players, coaches and support staff I’ve ever worked with. The memories will last forever and I can’t wait to do it all again.”
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