31 Jul, 2023

WELCOME THE INAUGURAL MLC CHAMPIONS – MI NEW YORK

By MI New York Media
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It’s coming home. It’s time to rub some more Gold onto our Blue. The party has begun. DO NOT STAY CALM. Shout, celebrate, jump. After all, we are the Champions. And it’s been sealed courtesy an absolutely stunning once-in-a-lifetime captain’s masterclass! 

There are dominant knocks, there are moments of glory achieved under pressure, but what we’ve witnessed tonight at Dallas was just out of the world stuff. Dangerous is an understatement. Nicholas Pooran, MI New York’s skipper, on the big night, was just murderous! Chasing a pretty daunting 184 to win, he walked out in the first over. And over the next 55 balls he faced, nobody was spared- as he put up a show of the highest order. 10 fours | 13 sixes | 137 runs, to see us home with four overs to spare. Yep, whodathunk!

So as we celebrate, and as the teams gears up to lift the trophy, here’s let’s read what some of our boys said out on the field, and what this means to them on a sideline chat with the league .. 

Kieron Pollard: No more rivalry (with DJ Bravo whom he was texting).I am just telling him, “I'm coming to catch you”. Looking forward to play with him in the CPL. Very special. Congratulations and kudos to the guys on the cricket field. They took the team from the Eliminator to the final. The way we won today, I couldn't be more proud. (On Pooran) Very special, this is something that's been brewing for some time. Sometimes it hurts me not to see him much in the international arena. He's a talent and he's someone that we need in the Caribbean. Congratulations to him, congratulations to the team, the support staff and the entire MI family. It's about belief, and the never say die attitude that we have. We believe in our players and that augurs well for us. I have been part of all the trophy wins. Even WPL, I was there for the final. We are going to raise the bar in franchise cricket. Thanking you (fans) for coming out and supporting today. This was the home ground of TSK but we painted it blue today. They were fantastic throughout the tournament. Hopefully we can see you all next year as well.

Rashid Khan: I had only three hours to get here (to this tournament) and get ready. It means a lot to me, being a part of this family for the last two years in South Africa, Emirates and here as well. Started with a trophy here. Special, first edition of this league and winning this is special. First trophy with MI family. Will enjoy these beautiful moments.

Kagiso Rabada: Great to win in the inaugural year of MLC. Very stoked, that was an unbelievable game. Good to see Nicky P playing the way that he is. There was no way to get him out tonight, he was incredible. That was probably close to the innings of his life. He was also facing good bowlers too. It wasn't an easy game. That was unbelievable to witness.

Nosthush Kenjige: I couldn't have asked for anything more. The way we finished it today, the last three games - it's been do-or-die. We have shown our character. Today it was just Nicky P show. Some of the shots he hit, I don't think I have watched anybody hit the way that he did. It was a pleasure watching him. The last three weeks, just to have them all in the dressing room - be it Malinga, Rashid Khan, Boult, Rabada - it's been incredible. Trying to learn as much as I can.

Trent Boult: There's no secret. In finals cricket, it's all about enjoying. Going out there and try to do the job. What a great way to finish the tournament. To see some fireworks like that from Mr. Pooran's bat was very special. Will really enjoy a very successful couple of weeks.

Shayan Jahangir: The trust and support I have been getting from the franchise, it's been commendable. The backing we got brought us this trophy. The amount of talent we have in the US, we can match any country in the world. The exposure is going to take us to places and we'll put US cricket on the map.

Tim David: Championships are hard to win. Lost a couple of finals but this is an awesome moment. Everyone here were treated to a very special innings. Nicky P, bloody awesome. I got the first class seat in the house. I just let him do his magic. It was a slow start (to the tournament), we really gelled and found some momentum. Everyone contributed at some point. It takes a whole squad, whole support staff to win the cup and we've done it.

Robin Petersen | Head Coach: We tried to keep our composure and keep it cool. It was always going to be about the team, it was a team effort. A lot of adversities due to injuries, but the players were calm, they believed in each other, showed their fighting qualities.

Dewald Brevis: We are excited to lift the trophy, very grateful for it and ready to celebrate now. It's a great learning curve, we just keep learning. Tried to get better with every game.

Nicholas Pooran | MI New York captain: Chatting today we spoke about creating history. We lost our captain, and a couple of players. At the end of the day I am proud as everyone contributed. We knew it was a good batting wicket, we were prepared for this moment from a week ago. We had to be confident and believe in each other. We got over the line today, we were been put under pressure earlier this week. ‘You are going to bat like Nicky P’, I told myself, and backed my skill. I just had to execute my skills, I have been working on it for the last 5-6 years. It was really special for me. I just want to thank all the fans and supporters, they have been really amazing.

 

 

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