MI New York held their nerve in a thrilling Major League Cricket 2025 final to clinch their second title, edging out Washington Freedom by just 5 runs at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. After being sent in to bat, the New York posted a competitive 180/7, thanks largely to Quinton de Kock’s explosive 77 off 46 balls. Washington’s chase started with two ducks in the opening over, but a sensational 70 off 41 from Rachin Ravindra kept them alive. However, the late brilliance of pacer Rushil Ugarkar, who took 2 crucial wickets for 32 runs, proved decisive in a tense finish, denying Washington in the final over.

Quinton De Kock’s sparkling 77 amidst Lockie Ferguson’s fierce spell push MI New York to 180/7

De Kock led from the front forNew York with a blistering 77 off just 46 balls, anchoring the innings after Monank Patel (28) gave a steady start. Their opening partnership of 72 in 7.1 overs set the platform for a big total. Tajinder Singh (14) and Nicholas Pooran (21) chipped in briefly, but a middle-order wobble saw Kieron Pollard (0) and Michael Bracewell (4) fall cheaply. Kunwarjeet Singh’s late cameo (22 not out off 13) ensured a strong finish as New York reached 180. Washington’s Lockie Ferguson was outstanding with 3/21 in his 4 overs, removing both openers and Pollard. Despite Glenn Maxwell (1/46) and Jack Edwards (1/38) going for runs, Washington did well to restrict New York in the final overs after they looked poised for 200+.

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Rachin Ravindra’s blitz in vain as Rushil Ugarkar seals last-over thriller

Washington’s chase got off to a chaotic start with both openers, Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous, falling for ducks inside the first over. But Rachin launched a blistering counterattack, scoring 70 off just 41 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. He was well-supported by Edwards (33 off 22), and together they added 84 for the third wicket. Glenn Phillips (48*) kept Washington in the hunt till the end, but wickets at regular intervals hurt their momentum. Ravindra’s dismissal at 130/4 turned the tide. Ugarkar’s two key breakthroughs, Maxwell and Ravindra,  earned him Player of the Match. Trent Boult (2/32) and Nosthush Kenjige (1/30) maintained pressure, as MI New York held Washington to 175/5, clinching the trophy in dramatic fashion.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Huge Shoutout to 21 years old Rushil Ugarkar for defending 12 runs in the final of MLC.

12 from 6 is the scenario that every T20 batter go through nets & get practice. Defending it against any batter is really commendable but he did against two best in business. Well Done👏👏 pic.twitter.com/a6dbUGmhuh

— Suvam Koirala 🏏 (@SuvamKoirala_45) July 14, 2025

Rushil Ugarkar has a very bright future. What a performance under pressure. Not At A Single at a single moment he looked nervous or anything. Calm, composed and got the job done for MI New York. pic.twitter.com/7qqrscZzxX

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) July 14, 2025

Imagine Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips at the crease against a 22 year old Rushil Ugarkar, they could not get 13 off six balls! Well done MI New York for winning MLC #cricket

— Chandresh Narayanan (@chand2579) July 14, 2025

Rushil bowling 2-0-10-2 in the death was the real win for MI. A USA player stepping up on the biggest stage👏

— Rushil (@_yoomann) July 14, 2025

Rushil Ugarkar. What a terrific over under pressure!

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) July 14, 2025

𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! 🏆💙#OneFamily #MINewYork #MLC pic.twitter.com/Gd3k2w9wXW

— MI New York (@MINYCricket) July 14, 2025

MI Cape Town 🏆
MI Emirates Qualified
MI Womens 🏆
Mumbai Indians Qualified
MI New York 🏆

Still one tournament left – The Hundred pic.twitter.com/ZUMKXWn7Oz

— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) July 14, 2025

MI New York in June – Won 1 game and lost 6

MI New York in July – Won 6 and lost 1

Typical MI way of winning tournaments. Losing everything in the first half and then make a comeback for the ages when it matters the most 💙💙💙

— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) July 14, 2025

🕵️‍♂️ Scouted in USA
📈 Nurtured in Mumbai

Ladies and gentlemen, Rushil Ugarkar 💙#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/uLz2TQNMsl

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) July 14, 2025

MI New York win the 2025 MLC season 🏆⚡#CricketTwitter #MLC2025 #MINewYork pic.twitter.com/niYN1BxglZ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 14, 2025

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