We came, we saw, we conquered. A perfect start to the 2024 season of the MLC for MI New York, as the boys in the Blue and Gold easily won the repeat of last year’s final, extending the bragging rights some more over Seattle Orcas. Let’s relive how proceedings went.. 

Boult resumes from where he left last year

It was as if he never left. Remember that phase in the second half of the season last year when our Boulty was just taking wickets for fun? Today was an extension of that beast phase. Breaking the Seattle top-order and getting MI New York to a dream start with two wickets in the first three overs, before returning at the death and getting the dangerous Harmeet Singh to ensure Orcas folded out for just 108. His swing, his pace, his variations, Morrisville saw it all!

Rashid bamboozles, Polly finishes 

High on confidence after taking Afghanistan into the World Cup semis, and in supreme form himself, Rashid Khan took over the mantle from Boult. Aaron Jones, unable to read his googly was trapped plumb in front, Heinrich Klaasen miscued one to the deep cheaply, and Shubham Ranjane, who was threatening to take the target beyond 130, got hurried on by a quicker one, only to drag it to long-on. Just Rashid things. And then Kieron Pollard, with his off-cutters dug into the pitch that was already tough for batting, applied the finishing touches with a couple of wickets. 

A Nicky-licious fifty!

He was in no mood to waste time. On a tricky pitch and in a tricky situation when MI New York were reduced to 57/3, Nicholas Pooran walked out, and boy, absolutely bossed proceedings. With seven fours and two sixes in his 37-ball knock of 62, he sealed the chase in just 14.2 overs, giving a massive boost to the NRR too. 

Right then, we’re off to a winning start, but there’s no time to celebrate. We’re all set to play our second game in less than 24 hours, with Washington Freedom up next. Let’s go…