Washington Freedom Secures Dominant Title Victory with Smith and Maxwell’s Stellar Performances

Steven Smith led Washington Freedom to a resounding 96-run victory over San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 final held in Dallas. Smith, alongside his Australian teammate Glenn Maxwell, delivered stellar batting performances, setting the stage for a dominant display. Marco Jansen played a crucial role with the ball, claiming three wickets, including both Unicorns’ openers, effectively dismantling their chase.

Consistent Dominance Throughout the Season

Washington Freedom’s emphatic win in the final solidified their status as the premier team of the season. They secured five victories in the group stage, which earned them a direct spot in the final after triumphing over the Unicorns in the Qualifier. A pivotal 83-run partnership off 39 balls between Smith and Maxwell was instrumental in Washington’s imposing total, as they added 121 runs in the latter half of their innings.

Smith’s Heroics Lead the Way

Smith, who had been overlooked for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, showcased his prowess by scoring 88 off 52 balls, including six sixes. Overcoming a slow start in the powerplay, he accelerated to a 34-ball fifty and concluded the season as the joint second-leading run-scorer, amassing 336 runs at a strike rate of 148.67. Despite falling short of a century, Smith’s performance underscored his value in the T20 format.

Maxwell and Head’s Contributions

Travis Head, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, was dismissed early by Pat Cummins. Despite this, Andries Gous provided the impetus needed as Smith settled in. When Haris Rauf removed Rachin Ravindra, the match seemed evenly poised at 86 for 3. However, Maxwell, finding form in the tournament’s closing stages, joined Smith to dominate the middle overs, with 28 runs coming off the 13th over bowled by Juanoy Drysdale. Smith’s innovative scoop shot for six off Rauf was a highlight, even as he fell to Cummins short of a century.

Unicorns’ Disappointing Chase

The Unicorns’ chase faltered from the outset, with Jake Fraser-McGurk’s poor form continuing as he was bowled by Jansen. Early wickets of Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Finn Allen during the powerplay compounded their troubles, leaving them with a daunting task. Despite a brief resistance from Sherfane Rutherford, who was brilliantly caught by Ian Holland, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of a high required run rate.

Ponting’s Triumph as Coach

This victory also marked a significant achievement for Ricky Ponting, who secured a title as coach shortly after parting ways with Delhi Capitals. Washington Freedom’s comprehensive performance in the final and throughout the season highlights their dominance in MLC 2024.