In a stunning display of dominance, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Travis Head led the charge for Washington Freedom as they clinched the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 title with a resounding 96-run victory over San Francisco Unicorns in Dallas.
The match saw Smith and Maxwell showcasing their prowess with the bat, putting on a remarkable partnership that set the tone for Freedom’s commanding victory. Smith, in particular, was in a league of his own, smashing 88 runs off just 52 balls, including six massive sixes. Despite a slow start in the powerplay, Smith accelerated brilliantly to reach his fifty in just 34 balls, finishing the season as the joint second-leading run-scorer with Travis Head, both amassing 336 runs at a blistering strike rate of 148.67.
Head, known for his explosive batting throughout the tournament, unfortunately fell early to Pat Cummins, but Andries Gous stepped up to keep the momentum going for Freedom. The match took a pivotal turn when Haris Rauf removed Rachin Ravindra, leaving the game finely poised at 86 for 3.
It was then that Smith and Maxwell took over, dismantling the Unicorns’ bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Smith’s audacious scoop shot for six off Rauf was a highlight of the innings, while Maxwell also contributed valuable runs before being caught superbly by Josh Inglis. Despite losing key wickets towards the end, Freedom managed to post a formidable total of 207 for 5.
In contrast, Unicorns’ chase never really got going, with early wickets falling at regular intervals. The likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Finn Allen failed to make a significant impact as the pressure of the chase mounted. Sherfane Rutherford’s dismissal, after a brilliant catch by Ian Holland, all but sealed the fate of the Unicorns as they crumbled under the daunting asking rate.
Freedom’s victory not only handed them the MLC 2024 title but also provided coach Ricky Ponting with a championship win shortly after departing from his role with Delhi Capitals. The triumph solidified Freedom’s status as the team of the season, having lost just one game throughout the tournament and delivering an emphatic performance in the final.
As for Smith, who has been overlooked by the Australian national team in recent times, his memorable display in the MLC could serve as a timely reminder of his capabilities with the bat. Despite uncertainties surrounding his T20I career, Smith’s standout performances in the US have certainly caught the eye of many cricket pundits and fans alike.
