• MI New York defeated Seattle Orcas by six-wickets in the tournament opener of the MLC 2024.

  • Nicholas Pooran scored an electrifying 62 in just 37 balls for the New York side.

MLC 2024 [WATCH]: Nicholas Pooran thrashes Cameron Gannon in MI New York’s win over Seattle Orcas
Nicholas Pooran (Image Source: X)

Nicholas Pooran continued his excellent form in the shortest format, and with Trent Boult and Rashid Khan also in similar fiery moods, last year’s champions MI New York won the opening match of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024.

In Morrisville, New York clashed with the Seattle Orcas in the first fixture of the tournament. New York skipper Kieron Pollard won the toss and opted to field first, putting the Seattle to the test. Despite their best efforts, Seattle struggled to surpass the 100-run mark, ultimately being bowled out for 108 runs in 19.1 overs.

Seattle Orcas’ struggles

Shubham Ranjan top-scored for Seattle with 35 runs, including 2 fours and 2 sixes in his 31-ball innings. Harmeet Singh contributed 20 runs off 14 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six, while Aaron Jones managed 12 runs off 16 balls with 2 fours. However, the rest of the lineup faltered, with Quinton de Kock, captain Enrique Klassen, Imad Wasim and Michael Bracewell all failing to make significant contributions. New York’s bowling attack, led by Boult and Rashid, proved too formidable. Boult took 3 wickets for 25 runs in his 4 overs, while Rashid claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs. Pollard chipped in with 2 wickets for 11 runs, and Ehsan Adil and Enrique Norkia took 1 wicket each.

Nicholas Pooran’s match-winning knock for MI New York

In reply, New York chased down the target with ease, scoring 111 runs for 4 wickets in just 14.2 overs, securing a six wicket victory with 34 balls remaining. The highlight of the chase was Pooran’s unbeaten 62 runs off 37 balls, an innings that included 7 fours and 2 sixes. Pooran’s aggressive approach and timely boundaries kept the momentum in MI New York’s favour. Pooran was further named Player of the Match for his explosive yet calculated knock.

Also READ: Star players from IPL 2024 who will feature in the MLC 2024

Pooran’s brutal assault against Cameron Gannon

Pooran’s assault against Cameron Gannon was the defining moment of New York’s victory. With New York were at one time at a challenging 19/2 in the first four overs of the powerplay, Pooran took charge to change the course of the match. The turning point came in the fifth over, where Pooran unleashed his fury on Gannon, scoring 22 runs off the over and shifting the momentum decisively.

On the first ball of the over, Pooran played a dot ball, setting the stage for what was to come. The second delivery was slightly full and off-stump, which Pooran dispatched over wide long-on for a massive six, electrifying the crowd. This shot demonstrated his power and ability to seize scoring opportunities. Gannon’s attempt to adjust on the third ball resulted in another delivery in Pooran’s hitting zone, which he sent soaring over midwicket for another six, showcasing his aggressive intent and capacity to build pressure on the bowler.

The fourth ball saw Pooran smartly taking a double, keeping the scoreboard ticking and retaining the strike. On the fifth ball, Gannon bowled short and wide, and Pooran expertly cut it behind backward point for a four, highlighting his precision and versatility. The final delivery of the over was placed with finesse by Pooran, again behind backward point for another boundary, emphasizing his skill in finding gaps and executing shots with precision.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024: Broadcast, live streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, US, UK, Australia & other countries

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