In the final league match of the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) season, Trent Boult played a superb innings, scoring 20 runs off six deliveries, driving MI New York (MI NY) to an impressive total of 194/8 in 20 overs.
MI NY asked to bat first, received a strong start from the West Indian duo of Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard, who smashed a combined total of ten sixes, setting a strong finish to their innings.
However, after the duo’s separation, wickets fell rapidly before Boult’s explosive performance. The experienced pacer took on Australian medium-pacer AJ Tye, striking him for 19 runs in the final five balls of the innings.
Boult’s remarkable final over included a six straight down the ground, followed by another maximum over deep extra-cover. He was also fortunate when he inside-edged a delivery for a boundary past his stumps. Boult’s exceptional cameo virtually secured MI NY’s qualification for the playoffs, as they only needed to avoid a heavy defeat to reach the final four.
Nicholas Pooran top-scored for MI NY with a superb 68 at a strike rate of 200, while skipper Pollard contributed with a fiery 34 off 18 deliveries.
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Following his impressive batting performance, Boult demonstrated his skill with the ball while defending MI NY’s total of 194. After a quiet initial spell, the Kiwi speedster staged a sensational comeback, taking four crucial wickets in his final two overs, nearly leading his side to a miraculous victory.
Trent Boult’s extraordinary bowling display couldn’t save MI NY from falling short
Boult claimed his first wicket in the 13th over, increasing the equation to 71 runs needed off 42 balls for the opposition team, the Orcas. Heinrich Klaasen’s aggressive innings brought down the required run rate to below seven runs per over in the final three overs.
Boult then showcased his talent in the 18th over, taking three wickets in four legal deliveries, reigniting hopes for MI NY. He conceded just three runs off the over, finishing an outstanding spell of 4/31 and narrowing the required runs to 17 off the final two overs.
Despite Boult’s heroics, Klaasen’s brilliant unbeaten knock of 110 off 44 balls powered the Orcas to victory, achieving the target with four balls to spare.
The MLC playoffs will begin after a day’s break, with MI NY facing Washington Freedom in the eliminator in Dallas on Thursday, July 27. Fans eagerly await Boult’s further brilliance as the thrilling tournament enters its knockout phase.
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