Rushil Ugarkar Holds Nerve as MI New York Clinch Second MLC Title in Thrilling Final

In a dramatic finish to the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, MI New York (MINY) edged past Washington Freedom by five runs to lift their second MLC title. The final, played in Dallas, saw young USA pacer Rushil Ugarkar emerge as the unlikely hero, holding his nerve in a tense last over to seal victory for his team.

Set a challenging target of 181, Freedom looked on course for a stunning comeback thanks to a late assault from Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on 48 off 34 balls. But with 12 runs needed from the final six balls and white-ball stars Glenn Phillips and Glenn Maxwell at the crease, 22-year-old Ugarkar delivered a nerveless over filled with slower cutters. He dismissed Maxwell early in the over and conceded just six runs, denying Phillips the strike for all but one delivery and sparking jubilant celebrations in the MI New York camp.

A Battle of Momentum

MINY's total of 180 for 7 was built on the back of a fluent 77 from Quinton de Kock and a solid opening partnership of 72 runs with Monank Patel, who finished the tournament as the top run-scorer. De Kock’s innings, which featured seven fours and three sixes, was the backbone of MINY’s innings. He later added 56 runs with Nicholas Pooran (21 off 17) before being dismissed in the 17th over.

Despite a mini-collapse triggered by Lockie Ferguson’s impressive 3 for 21, a late cameo from Kunwarjeet Singh (22* off 13) helped MINY post a competitive score.

Freedom’s Valiant Effort Falls Short

Freedom’s chase began disastrously, with Trent Boult striking twice in the opening over. But Rachin Ravindra rose to the occasion with a scintillating 70 off 41 balls, hitting eight boundaries and two sixes. He stabilized the innings alongside Jack Edwards (33 off 22), putting on 84 runs in just 45 balls for the second wicket.

However, the momentum slowed during Ravindra’s 46-run stand with Phillips, which consumed 42 balls — a phase that arguably cost Freedom the game. Phillips tried to compensate with a late surge, targeting Tristan Luus and Boult in the 18th and 19th overs, but the lack of support and Maxwell’s slow scoring rate hampered the chase.

Maxwell, who had only one standout performance this season — a 106* against Texas Super Kings — failed to fire when it mattered most, managing just 11 before falling to Ugarkar in the final over.

Ugarkar's Moment

Ugarkar, who had never played international cricket, rose to the occasion in the most high-pressure moment of the tournament. His final-over figures, along with his overall 2 for 32, proved decisive in a match that swung wildly in both directions. Alongside him, Boult (2 for 32) and Tajinder Singh (3-0-18-0) played crucial roles in restricting Freedom’s firepower.

A Champion Team Performance

While De Kock's explosive batting laid the foundation, and Boult’s early strikes set the tone, it was Ugarkar’s composure under pressure that sealed the win — highlighting MINY’s strength as a well-rounded unit. With this victory, MI New York claimed their second MLC title, cementing their status as one of the league’s powerhouse franchises.

Scorecard Summary:

MI New York: 180/7 in 20 overs (De Kock 77, Ferguson 3-21)
Washington Freedom: 175/5 in 20 overs (Ravindra 70, Phillips 48*, Ugarkar 2-32, Boult 2-32)
Result: MI New York won by 5 runs
Player of the Match: Rushil Ugarkar