The first-ever Major Cricket League (MLC) came to an electrifying end on Sunday (July 30) as MI New York (MINY) emerged victorious by defeating Seattle Orcas (SEO) in the thrilling final held at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.
Opting to bat first, the Orcas rode on the brilliant innings of Quinton de Kock, who displayed an aggressive show of power-hitting. De Kock’s impressive knock of 87 runs off 52 balls propelled his team to a competitive total of 183/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, MINY faced an early setback as their opener, Steven Taylor, was dismissed for a duck in the very first over. However, their captain, Nicholas Pooran, rose to the occasion and showcased an extraordinary display of power-hitting while batting at No. 3.
Pooran unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Seattle attack from the start, reaching his half-century in a mere 16 balls. He continued his onslaught and achieved a century in just 40 deliveries, further stamping his authority on the game.
Pooran ended up as the leading run-scorer of the tournament
The left-handed batsman remained unbeaten, scoring a jaw-dropping 137 runs off 55 balls, leading his team to victory with four overs to spare. His explosive innings was studded with a remarkable 13 sixes and 10 fours, leaving the opposition bowlers helpless.
𝓞𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓹𝓮𝓪𝓽 🔄
Can’t stop watching @nicholaspooran’s 1️⃣3️⃣ sixes he hit today‼️ #MLC2023 #MLCFINAL pic.twitter.com/OynKTi2xnD
— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 31, 2023
Pooran’s exceptional form throughout the tournament also made him the highest run-scorer of MLC 2023, accumulating an impressive total of 388 runs. Unfortunately, his blazing ton will not be added in the record books as the MLC does not hold an official T20 status.
Also READ: From leading run-scorer to highest wicket-taker: Stats and records of the MLC 2023
The inaugural MLC, hosted by the United States of America (USA), an Associate member nation, did not receive an official T20 status from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Despite being sanctioned by the ICC, the MLC and other popular leagues like Abu Dhabi T10 League, US Masters T10 League, Global T20 Canada and ILT20 are yet to get an all-important T20 status.