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In a pulsating encounter at the Oakland Coliseum for Match 9 of Major League Cricket 2025, MI New York (MINY) finally broke their winless streak with a stunning chase against the Seattle Orcas, who, despite a formidable batting display, remained pointless in the tournament. Both teams entered the game desperate for a win, with MINY having squandered winning positions in their previous outings and the Orcas struggling to find their batting rhythm.

Winning the toss, the Orcas elected to bat first, a decision backed by the venue’s history of favoring teams setting a target. However, their start was cautious, as disciplined bowling from Michael Bracewell and Trent Boult saw them lose two early wickets in the powerplay.

Debutant Shayan Jahangir and Kyle Mayers steadied the ship, grinding their way to 62 runs by the 10th over at a modest run rate of 6.2.

The game’s turning point arrived when Tejinder Singh dropped Mayers. Unleashing a barrage of sixes, Mayers turned the innings on its head, smashing 10 maximums in a breathtaking display of power-hitting. Supported by quick-fire cameos from Heinrich Klaasen and Shimron Hetmyer, who both scored rapid 20s, the Orcas plundered 138 runs in the final 10 overs to post a daunting 200/5 in their 20 overs.

Chasing 201, MINY’s batting lineup, known for its firepower, adopted a cautious approach to counter the infamous “Twilight Curse” at the Coliseum, where batting under lights has proven tricky. Their strategy was clear: preserve wickets in the first half to set up a late assault. By the 10th over, they reached 78/1, with Monank Patel and Michael Bracewell looking composed.

Monank then shifted gears, blending elegant ground shots with aerial drives to dominate the Orcas’ bowling. His scintillating 93 off 50 balls brought MINY within touching distance of victory. The Orcas’ fielding, however, was their undoing—four dropped catches, including crucial ones, and several misfields gifted MINY vital runs. Kieron Pollard sealed the chase in style with a six over the keeper, while Bracewell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50. MINY crossed the finish line with balls to spare, securing their first points of the season.

For MINY, this victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to execute under pressure. Monank’s match-defining knock and Bracewell’s all-round contribution underscored their potential to climb the table. The Orcas, despite their batting finally clicking, were let down by poor fielding and an inability to close out critical moments. With no points on the board, they face an uphill battle to stay in contention.

As MLC 2025 heats up, the tournament is set to expand its horizons. Plans for women’s exhibition games next year promise to add a new dimension to the league, further elevating its growing stature in the cricketing world.

This thrilling encounter showcased the best of T20 cricket—explosive batting, strategic chases, and moments of brilliance. For MINY, it’s a launchpad; for the Orcas, a wake-up call to find a winning formula fast.

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