MLC: MI New York stay in playoff hunt with win over LA Knight Riders; LAKR on the brink

MI New York secured a crucial eight-wicket victory over LA Knight Riders in the 2025 Major League Cricket match, keeping their playoff hopes alive while pushing LAKR to the brink of elimination.

The match saw MI New York's Nicholas Pooran and Monank Patel forge a match-winning partnership after Trent Boult's exceptional bowling performance restricted LAKR to 154/8 in their 20 overs.Following a delayed start with the surface under covers, MI New York elected to bowl first. Trent Boult capitalised on the conditions, delivering a devastating spell in the powerplay by claiming three quick wickets.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Boult's first victim was Unmukt Chand, who was bowled first ball by an inswinger. Andre Russell, promoted to number three, managed a few boundaries before Boult dismissed him with a delivery that stayed low. Andre Fletcher became Boult's third victim as MI New York dominated the early proceedings.

LAKR's innings struggled with multiple batsmen failing to make significant contributions. Saif Badar scored 7 off 16 balls, Rovman Powell managed 5 from 9 deliveries, and Jason Holder contributed just 4 runs from 6 balls.

Sherfane Rutherford emerged as the lone warrior for LAKR, displaying exceptional batting skills on what appeared to be a challenging surface for others. He reached his fifty in just 22 balls, showcasing aggressive intent throughout his innings.Rutherford's innings of 86 runs came to an end in the penultimate over when Boult returned to claim his fourth wicket. His dismissal proved crucial as LAKR struggled to accelerate in the final overs, finishing at 154/8.MI New York's chase began cautiously after losing Quinton de Kock to Sunil Narine in the powerplay. The team managed only 39 runs in the first six overs before Monank Patel and Nicholas Pooran began to increase the scoring rate.

LAKR missed a crucial opportunity when they failed to appeal for a caught behind when Pooran was on 15. This proved costly as both batsmen settled in and began finding boundaries regularly.The partnership between Pooran and Monank grew in confidence with both reaching their half-centuries.

Their century stand was eventually broken by Andre Russell, but the damage was already done.Kieron Pollard ensured a smooth finish for MI New York with consecutive sixes, guiding the team to victory with 13 balls to spare. Pooran remained unbeaten on 62 while Monank Patel contributed 56 runs.The result has significant implications for the playoff race. LAKR's position becomes precarious, with their elimination possible even before their next match if Seattle Orcas win their upcoming game.Brief scores: LA Knight Riders 154/8 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 86; Trent Boult 4/17, Kieron Pollard 2/15) lost to MI New York 155/2 in 17.5 overs (Nicholas Pooran 62*, Monank Patel 56) by 8 wickets.