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The Washington Freedom secured a convincing 42-run victory over the Texas Super Kings in the 17th match of Major League Cricket 2024 (MLC), played at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Dwayne Bravo Fools Smith
On the fourth ball of the 18th over, with Washington’s score at 186/4, Dwayne Bravo delivered a decisive blow to Smith Smith. Facing the experienced Smith, Bravo bowls a slower delivery that proved a masterclass in deception.
Anticipating a faster ball, Smith had committed himself early and moved significantly outside off stump. Bravo’s slower ball was expertly disguised and delivered with precision, skirting close to the stumps. Brought off balance by the change of pace, Smith attempted to swipe across the line but missed entirely, his shot falling well short of connecting.
However, on the next delivery, he again used a subtle variation in pace and trajectory to induce an error from Smith. This time, Smith misjudged the ball and attempted a shot that resulted in a straightforward catch for Devon Conway behind the stumps. Smith’s innings ended at 57
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Freedom batters shine
Asked to bat first, Washington Freedom posted a strong total of 206/5 on the board. Openers Travis Head and Steve Smith provided a solid foundation with their fifties. Head smashed a quickfire 53, while Smith anchored the innings with a composed 57.
Texas Super Kings were eventually bowled out for 164 in 19.5 overs, falling short of the target by a significant margin. Texas Super Kings’ chase faltered from the beginning. While Faf du Plessis (55) and Calvin Savage (35) offered some resistance, wickets fell regularly. Young spinner Noor Ahmad impressed with his control, taking 3-38, while the evergreen Bravo picked up 2-40 to keep the Texas batsmen in check.
Rachin Ravindra was the pick of the Washington Freedom bowlers, claiming 4-16 in a tidy spell. Jasdeep Singh also chipped in with three wickets.
This victory consolidates Washington Freedom’s position at the top of the MLC 2024 points table. They displayed strong batting and bowling performances to outplay the Texas Super Kings convincingly.
