- June 27, 2025
LAKR vs WSF (17th Match) – Highlights
In what turned out to be one of the most electrifying encounters of the 2025 Major League Cricket season so far, Washington Freedom chased down a daunting target of 214 to defeat the Los Angeles Knight Riders by five wickets — with not a single ball to spare. The 17th match of the season, played under lights in Dallas on June 26, delivered high-octane drama, dazzling strokeplay, and a last-ball finish worthy of any T20 blockbuster.
The LA Knight Riders were put in to bat and immediately stamped their authority on the game. Like co-pilots on a runaway rocket, Chand and Fletcher launched Derbyshire into orbit with a 130-run takeoff that defied gravity. Chand struck a steady 41 off 30 balls before being dismissed by Ian Holland, but the fireworks truly came from Fletcher. The Caribbean dasher lit up the Dallas sky with a sensational 104 off just 60 deliveries, peppering the boundaries with seven fours and six sixes. His “retired out” exit in the 18th over, presumably tactical, was a rare moment in modern cricket and slightly stalled LA’s momentum.
Sherfane Rutherford (20 off 11) chipped in briefly, but it was Andre Russell who came in and played a trademark cameo — hammering 30 from just 13 balls. One West Indian faltered, another fired—Powell blinked and missed, while Holder swung and roared to seal LA’s 213.Washington’s bowlers had a rough outing, with Ian Holland being the only one to pick up two wickets. Mitchell Owen, despite conceding 47 in his 4 overs, would soon make up for it with the bat.
Chasing 214 was always going to be steep, but Washington Freedom attacked with fearless intent from the very first over. Mitchell Owen, promoted to open, played an outrageous innings that turned the tide of the match. Smashing 43 off just 16 deliveries, he dismantled LA’s new-ball attack with brute power and perfect timing. Though he was dismissed in the fourth over, the platform was set.
Rachin Ravindra (18), Andries Gous (31), and Glenn Maxwell (42 off 23) all kept the run rate ticking. Maxwell, in particular, looked ominous, combining classic off-side strokes with innovative flicks over square leg. Tanveer Sangha’s two wickets in the middle overs brought the game back in LA’s grasp, but Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar had other plans.
With 63 runs needed off the last 6 overs, the pressure was immense. Phillips (33* off 23) and Pienaar (23* off 16) navigated a tense finish with ice in their veins. The duo stood tall at the death, but their grip slipped as wayward deliveries and power-packed hits rewrote the ending. With two runs required off the last ball, Pienaar calmly flicked one through midwicket, sealing a sensational win for Washington.
Mitchell Owen was deservedly named Player of the Match for his game-changing knock and all-around impact. His explosive start made a seemingly impossible chase a very real possibility, which the middle order capitalized on perfectly.
Los Angeles Knight Riders vs Washington Freedom Scoreboard
Los Angeles Knight Riders – 213/4 (20)
Washington Freedom – 214/5 (20)
Result – Washington won by 5 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Mitchell Owen
Mitchell Owen
LAKR vs WSF Playing Eleven
Los Angeles Knight Riders | Unmukt Chand (wk), Andre Fletcher, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Jason Holder (c), Saif Badar, Matthew Tromp, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Tanveer Sangha |
Washington Freedom | Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, Andries Gous (wk), Glenn Maxwell (c), Jack Edwards, Glenn Phillips, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Mark Adair, Ian Holland, Saurabh Netravalkar |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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