Washington Freedom showcased a dominant performance with both bat and ball, continuing their undefeated streak in MLC 2024 by decisively defeating the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Morrisville. Choosing to bowl first on a sluggish pitch, Freedom bowled out the Knight Riders for 129 and chased the target with eight wickets and four overs to spare.
Key to their third win of the season were standout performances from Saurabh Netravalkar, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, and Steve Smith. Netravalkar, a notable player from the recent T20 World Cup, set the tone with his 4 for 35, removing Sunil Narine and Unmukt Chand in his first over. By the fifth over, LAKR was struggling at 18 for 4, with Jason Roy and Shakib Al Hasan also dismissed.
Saif Badar attempted to stabilise the innings with a composed 35, but his LBW dismissal to Rachin Ravindra triggered another collapse. Maxwell’s 3 for 15 included the crucial wicket of Andre Russell, who briefly threatened to boost LAKR's total. Lockie Ferguson contributed with two wickets as the Knight Riders' innings ended with eight balls remaining.
Washington Freedom’s chase was set up by Travis Head and captain Steve Smith, who added 61 runs in the PowerPlay. Head scored a quick 40 off 23 balls and, despite a contentious catch decision early on, went on to hit six sixes in his 32-ball 54. Following his dismissal, Smith anchored the innings, ensuring victory with an unbeaten 42.
Brief Scores
Los Angeles Knight Riders: 129 in 18.4 overs (Saif Badar 35; Saurabh Netravalkar 4-35, Glenn Maxwell 3-15)
Washington Freedom: 130/2 in 16 overs (Travis Head 54, Steven Smith 42; Spencer Johnson 1-33)
Result: Washington Freedom won by eight wickets.