DALLAS, TX (JULY 29, 2024): In a spectacular display of power hitting and strategic bowling, Washington Freedom claimed the Cognizant Major League Cricket 2024 trophy with a commanding 96-run victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in the Championship final at Grand Prairie Stadium on Sunday.
Led by stellar performances from Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, Washington Freedom set an imposing target of 208, which proved insurmountable for the Unicorns. In desperate need of a strong start, the Unicorns faltered early. Jake Fraser-McGurk (3) was dismissed in the third over, and Marco Jansen delivered a crucial blow by removing Finn Allen (13), who had scored a century in the qualifier. At 30/3, the Unicorns were in deep trouble.
The middle-order collapse continued with Sherfane Rutherford (4) and Josh Inglis (18) falling early, dashing any hopes of a miraculous chase. Andrew Tye, brought in for the final, picked up two pivotal wickets, tightening the noose around the Unicorns. Rachin Ravindra then finished the job with an impressive spell, ending with figures of 3/23.
Earlier in the match, Washington Freedom had lost Travis Head (9) early. Steve Smith (88) then took center stage, anchoring the innings with a masterful knock. He found support from Andries Gous (21), who added a steadying partnership before both Gous and Rachin Ravindra (11) fell without making significant contributions. Undeterred, Smith unleashed a barrage of strokes, easily finding the boundary.
Glenn Maxwell (40) joined Smith, and the duo took the game away from the Unicorns with their aggressive batting. A memorable over saw Drysdale concede 28 runs as Smith and Maxwell went berserk, setting the stage for a massive total.
Smith’s departure, followed shortly by Maxwell’s, brought Mukhtar Ahmed (19*) to the crease, who contributed a quick cameo with a couple of big hits, pushing the total past the 200-mark. Washington Freedom ended their innings at 208, a record total for a final.
Brief Scores:
Washington Freedom (Steve Smith 88, Glenn Maxwell 40, Pat Cummins 2/35) defeated San Francisco Unicorns (Carmi Le Roux 20, Josh Inglis 18, Marco Jansen 3/28) by 96 runs.
TOURNAMENT AWARDS:
Winners: Washington Freedom
Runners-Up: San Francisco Unicorns
Stake Most Valuable Player of the Tournament: Travis Head (Washington Freedom)
Royal Rice Leading Run Scorer: Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings)
Willow by Cricbuzz Leading Wicket Taker: Saurabh Netravalkar (Washington Freedom)
Bart King Domestic Player of the Tournament: Hassan Khan (San Francisco Unicorns)