T20S

Right then, that’s all from us for now! Thanks for joining us for today’s rain-affected contest. Be sure to tune in tomorrow, Thursday, 10th July, for the Eliminator, as the San Francisco Unicorns take on MI New York at the same venue. The match kicks off at 12:00 AM GMT, but as always, we’ll be there earlier with all the pre-match build-up and insights. Until then, take care and goodbye!

The Qualifier between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings has been abandoned due to persistent rain and lightning in the area, with conditions deemed unsafe for play. As a result, Washington Freedom advance directly to the Final by virtue of finishing at the top of the points table. Texas Super Kings will get another opportunity in the Challenger, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator, scheduled for tomorrow. The weather forecast for the Eliminator is significantly better, and we’re hopeful for a full, uninterrupted match.

UPDATE - 2.42 am GMT - Some positive news from Dallas — the rain has stopped. However, there's still no movement from the ground staff. Fingers crossed, we at least get a shortened game.

UPDATE - 2.06 am GMT - The rain has eased, and there's a potential dry window around 2.30 am GMT. Live visuals indicate that most of the water on the outfield has cleared away, thanks to excellent drainage. That’s encouraging news—hopefully, we can get a shortened game in.

UPDATE -  1.16 am GMT - The cut-off time to begin a 5-over match is  03.26 GMT. If a 5-over game cannot be completed, the teams will play a Super Over to decide the winner. The Super Over must start by 04.20 GMT. There is no reserve day. If no play is possible today, the Freedom will advance to the final, having finished above the Super Kings in the standings.

UPDATE - 1.04 am GMT - The pitch remains covered, but the rain is currently pouring down heavily. The outfield is waterlogged, with puddles forming across several areas. Even if the rain were to stop soon, it would take considerable time to make the ground playable. Overs are now being lost, and with the outfield resembling more of a pool than a field, the prospects for play look increasingly grim.

UPDATE - 12.31 am GMT - Rain has begun to fall at Grand Prairie Stadium, and unfortunately, the evening forecast doesn't look too promising. Fingers crossed the skies clear up soon so we can get some action underway.

UPDATE -  11.58 pm GMT - The skies are currently overcast, and the covers remain on the field. As a result, the start of play will be delayed. Both teams have cleared the dugouts and returned to the dressing rooms. There’s also some thunder in the area. We’ll keep you updated as conditions evolve. Stay tuned for further updates.

Pitch Report - Pommie Mbangwa and Danny Morrison are at the pitchside. They share that it is a big game for both teams, and it's slightly overcast. They add that the dimensions are 70m and 65m to the sides, while the pitch is a beauty, and it is the best in this country. They further add that the batters enjoy their time here and there is a good covering of grass, and it is not expected that it will turn.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper of the Texas Super Kings, says that they are used to batting first, and it’s a good wicket. Shares that they need to reassess and put up a big score. Adds that they have got different guys who have stepped up, and the domestic players have done well. Shares that they have the confidence that everyone has contributed throughout the league stage, and it augurs well for them. Closes by saying that they are going unchanged.

Glenn Maxwell, the Washington Freedom skipper, wins the toss and opts to bowl. Says that it’s a fresh wicket and has been under covers for a bit, so it's an opportunity to get early wickets. Hopes to start well and go from there. Wants the bowlers to stick to the plans and restrict them. Closes by sharing that Mark Chapman comes in for Lockie Ferguson as the only change to their side.

Washington Freedom (Playing XI) - Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, Andries Gous(WK), Glenn Maxwell(C), Glenn Phillips, Mukhtar Ahmed, Obus Pienaar, Jack Edwards, Ian Holland, Lockie Ferguson (in place of Mark Chapman), Saurabh Netravalkar.

Texas Super Kings (Playing XI) - Smit Patel(WK), Faf du Plessis(C), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Marcus Stoinis, Shubham Ranjane, Donovan Ferreira, Calvin Savage, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Zia-ul-Haq, Adam Milne.

Toss Update - The Washington Freedom have won the toss and Glenn Maxwell opts to BOWL.

The Super Kings will be eager to overcome a strong Freedom side and reach their first-ever MLC Final. So, who are you backing in this blockbuster Qualifier? Stick around — toss and team news are coming up shortly!

On the other side, the Texas Super Kings had a slow start but have turned things around in style, winning four of their last five games to finish second on the table. Captain Faf du Plessis has led from the front, topping the run charts with over 400 runs this season. The likes of Shubman Ranjane, Donovan Ferreira, and Marcus Stoinis have chipped in with impactful innings. With the ball, Adam Milne and Noor Ahmad have been outstanding, both bagging 14 wickets so far, while the addition of Akeal Hosein has added a new dimension to their bowling attack.  

The Washington Freedom have been in stellar form, winning eight of their ten league-stage matches. They’re riding strong momentum into this encounter. Mitchell Owen has been a standout, delivering with both bat and ball, while the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Jack Edwards, and Glenn Phillips have provided all-round solidity. The contributions of domestic talents like Saurabh Netravalkar, Ian Holland, and Obus Pienaar have been crucial, offering balance and depth to the squad. The Freedom will be eyeing back-to-back finals appearances as they look to extend their winning streak.  

Hello everyone, and a very warm welcome to our coverage of the Qualifier in MLC 2025. Today’s high-stakes clash features the Washington Freedom facing off against the Texas Super Kings at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. These two sides finished in the top two of the league table, and the winner of this match will book a direct ticket to the Final, while the loser will have another shot in the Challenger. 

…MATCHDAY…

The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 playoffs are set to ignite, and the Qualifier promises a blockbuster clash between two of the tournament's most in-form teams - the Texas Super Kings (TSK) and the Washington Freedom (WAF). This highly anticipated encounter, which will determine the first finalist of MLC 2025 will be played at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas. Both Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom have showcased exceptional form throughout the league stage. The Washington Freedom, after an initial hiccup in their first match, have been a juggernaut, winning six consecutive matches and entering the playoffs on a formidable streak. Their consistent performances have seen them finish atop the league standings, a testament to their well-rounded squad and tactical brilliance. They are the defending champions, having lifted the MLC title in 2024, and their dominant run this season reaffirms their status as the team to beat. Texas Super Kings, while not quite as dominant in terms of an unbeaten run, have also had a stellar season, demonstrating their ability to bounce back and maintain strong momentum. This marks their third consecutive playoff appearance, but their first time finishing in the top two, indicating a significant improvement in their campaign. They started strong with three back-to-back wins before encountering their first loss, which notably came against none other than the Washington Freedom. Given Washington Freedom's dominant run, their recent head-to-head advantage over Texas Super Kings, and the sheer depth in their squad, they enter this Qualifier as favorites. Their all-rounders like Maxwell and Owen have been exceptional, providing balance and match-winning performances. However, the Texas Super Kings, led by the prolific Faf du Plessis, have shown resilience and the ability to win crucial encounters. Their bowling attack, with the likes of Milne and Noor Ahmad, can pose a serious threat. This Qualifier promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-quality teams. While Washington Freedom might have the slight edge on paper and recent form, the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket means that Texas Super Kings are more than capable of pulling off an upset and securing a direct berth in the MLC 2025 final. Expect a fierce battle as both teams vie for supremacy and the coveted spot in the championship match.