Best performances in Major League Cricket
MI NY won MLC in 2023 and Washington Freedom won the title in 2024 (Image via X/@WSHFreedom)
From its birth two years ago, Major League Cricket (MLC) has taken shape as the premier T20 competition in the United States. The competition came into existence in 2023. With the perfect balance of domestic talent and foreign stars, the month-long tournament is a spectacle for those that enjoy the sport.
MI New York were crowned as champions in the inaugural edition and Washington Freedom triumphed in 2024.
The past two editions have featured some of the most exciting and thrilling clashes, with several standout players. Familiar names like Nicholas Pooran and Faf du Plessis have topped the run-scoring charts, while domestic stars like Saurabh Netravalkar also made headlines.
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With the 2025 edition set to commence on June 13, here's a look at some of the best performances in the MLC till date.
Steve Smith (2024 final)
: The Washington Freedom skipper played a huge role in his side clinching their first MLC title in 2024. The Australian finished the 2024 campaign with the second-most runs and joint-most for the franchise (336 runs). In the final against San Francisco Unicorns, Smith was adjudged Player of the Match for his crucial 52-ball 88, despite being pitted against the likes of Pat Cummins and Haris Rauf.
Saurabh Netravalkar's 6/9 vs San Francisco Unicorns (2023) :
Netravalkar's spell of six wickets against San Francisco Unicorns in the inaugural edition of the MLC remains the best bowling figures in the competition. His inimitable spell for Washington Freedom also helped him clinch third spot in the list of highest wicket-takers in the 2023 edition. In the 2024 campaign, Netravalkar shone brilliantly with the ball. He took 15 wickets last year, beating the second-highest wicket-taker Rachin Ravindra by 3 scalps.
Muhammad Mohsin's 4/14 vs San Francisco Unicorns (2024) :
The Texas Super Kings all-rounder made headlines with a sensational spell in July 2024. The Pakistani cricketer's immaculate spell against the San Francisco Unicorns remains his best in the competition. The 29-year-old claimed 4 SFU wickets, while conceding just 13 runs in the process. Mohsin also maintained his economy rate at an impressive 3.39.
Faf du Plessis's 72 off 47 balls for Texas Super Kings eliminates title holders MI NY (2024) :
Even though TSK failed to make it to the final of the MLC in the 2023 and 2024 editions, star man and skipper Faf du Plessis led the way in runs for his side and topped the charts as well. His 420 from 8 innings had some memorable performances along the way. Notably, the South African made a brilliant 72 off 47 balls for TSK in the 2024 Eliminator to knock out reigning champions MI New York.
Nicholas Pooran's 137* for MI New York vs Seattle Orcas :
The West Indian batsman topped the run-scoring charts in the MLC 2023 season. As MI NY won the MLC title in the first season, Pooran set a record that is yet to be broken. His score of 137 not out against the Seattle Orcas remains till date, the highest score by a batter in MLC. Incidentally, the player saved his very best for last, as the knock came in the final - a perfect stage to shine. Chasing a target of 184, the left-handed batter made easy work of the target, helping MI chase things down with four overs and 7 wickets to spare.
With the 2025 season approaching, fans can expect more fierce match-ups, increased firepower and planning from all six sides. The first game of the season features the San Francisco Unicorns taking on 2024 champions Washington Freedom on June 12.
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