Boult's Heroics Power MI New York Past Unicorns in MLC 2025 Thriller

In a dramatic eliminator clash at the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 playoffs, MI New York (MINY) edged out the San Francisco Unicorns by two wickets to book a place in Qualifier 2, thanks to a stunning all-round display from Trent Boult.

Boult was instrumental with both ball and bat, returning impressive figures of 2 for 19 and then delivering the knockout punch with back-to-back sixes in a nervy chase, helping MINY overhaul the 132-run target with nine balls to spare. The win sets up a high-stakes clash against the Texas Super Kings for a spot in the final against Washington Freedom.

Unicorns Crumble Early, Recover Through Bartlett Blitz

Batting first after being sent in, the Unicorns suffered a nightmare start, collapsing to 16 for 5 in the powerplay. Boult and Nosthush Kenjige ripped through the top order — Boult removing Tim Seifert and Jake Fraser-McGurk with edges to the keeper, while Kenjige accounted for Matthew Short and Sanjay Krishnamurthi.

A run-out added to the chaos, with Hassan Khan dismissed on a golden duck after a mix-up with Cooper Connolly.

But No. 8 Xavier Bartlett staged a valiant recovery, smashing 44 off just 24 balls. With help from Hammad Azam and Brody Couch, he pushed the score from 50 to 100 in four overs, striking multiple sixes in the process. Bartlett eventually holed out in the 18th over to Kieron Pollard, while Rushil Ugarkar cleaned up the tail to finish with 3 for 19. The Unicorns ended on 131 — a total that looked below par, but proved nearly enough.

MINY Survive Scare Despite Middle-Order Collapse

A rain delay meant a slightly damp outfield, but the game remained a full 20-over contest. MINY’s chase began steadily with Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel putting up 43 for the first wicket. However, Matthew Short swung the momentum back with a double-strike in the same over, removing de Kock lbw and then knocking over Nicholas Pooran with a beauty.

Monank Patel tried to anchor the innings with a 33-run knock, but fell shortly after, pulling Short to deep square leg. Kieron Pollard, in good form of late, was dismissed cheaply after miscuing a tame shot to long-on.

With wickets tumbling and pressure mounting, MINY found themselves needing 24 off 19 balls with just two wickets in hand. But just when Unicorns sensed victory, Boult turned the game on its head.

Facing Hassan Khan, who had already taken 4 for 30, Boult launched two consecutive sixes that dramatically shifted the equation. With only five runs needed off nine balls after that, MINY comfortably crossed the finish line.

What's Next

MI New York now advance to Qualifier 2, where they will meet Texas Super Kings in a bid to reach the MLC 2025 final. For the San Francisco Unicorns, last season’s runners-up, their campaign ends in heartbreak.

Score Summary

San Francisco Unicorns – 131 all out (Bartlett 44, Ugarkar 3-19, Boult 2-19, Kenjige 2-43)
MI New York – 132 for 8 (De Kock 33, Monank 33, Boult 22*, Hassan 4-30, Short 3-22)
Result: MI New York won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Trent Boult

For all the drama and thrills, it was Boult’s composed hitting and disciplined bowling that stood tall on a night full of twists.