Brought to you by Batball USA – Your Home for American Cricket

The second game of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 at the Oakland Coliseum was a blockbuster showdown between arch-rivals MI New York and Texas Super Kings, serving up a heady mix of high-octane cricket, dramatic momentum swings, and unforgettable moments. Played on the same batter-friendly pitch that witnessed a run-fest in the tournament’s opener the previous night, this match proved that MLC is ready to carve its place in the global cricket landscape with thrilling contests that keep fans glued to their seats.

MI New York captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss and opted to bowl, banking on early moisture and the hope of restricting TSK on a surface that had already seen plenty of leather-chasing action. The Super Kings’ batting unit, however, had other ideas, though their start was far from smooth. Early breakthroughs from MI NY’s pace attack left TSK wobbling, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Devon Conway, the ever-reliable opener, stood firm amidst the chaos, anchoring the innings with a classy 50. His composure under pressure was a masterclass in T20 batting, blending deft touch with calculated aggression.

Conway found an unexpected ally in Calvin Savage, whose fearless strokeplay turned the tide. Their partnership was a game-changer, a blend of Conway’s steady accumulation and Savage’s audacious boundary-hitting that punished any loose deliveries. By the time their stand was broken, TSK had built a formidable platform, eventually posting 185/6 in their 20 overs. While not as colossal as the 269 from the previous game, the total felt competitive on a pitch showing signs of fatigue and with the evening conditions likely to challenge the chasing side.

As MI New York began their chase of 186, the so-called “twilight curse” struck again. The Oakland Coliseum, bathed in the cool California evening, became a bowler’s ally as the ball began to nip around under the lights. TSK’s bowlers, led by their fiery pace attack, tore through MI NY’s top order, reducing them to a precarious 24/3 in just 5.2 overs. The early dismissals of key batters left the New York side staring down the barrel, with the raucous crowd sensing a collapse.

Enter USA captain Monank Patel and Doug Bracewell, who took on the daunting task of resurrecting the innings. Their partnership was a study in resilience, blending gritty defense with smart shot selection to keep the scoreboard ticking. Patel, in particular, played with the poise of a seasoned campaigner, while Bracewell’s ability to rotate the strike and find occasional boundaries kept MI NY’s required run rate within reach. The duo’s 70-run stand was a lifeline, reigniting hope among the MI NY faithful, including a special spectator—a 90-year-old diehard MI fan visiting the Bay Area from India but eagerly wanting to watch her beloved MI team play in the USA. Her presence, cheering passionately from the stands, added an emotional heartbeat to the contest.

Just as MI NY seemed to claw their way back, TSK’s fielding, which had been shaky with dropped catches and comical misfields, produced a moment of brilliance. At 42 years old, Faf du Plessis defied age with a jaw-dropping catch, diving full stretch to pluck a ball out of the air. The Coliseum erupted as Faf’s athleticism swung the momentum firmly back in TSK’s favor, silencing the MI NY dugout and energizing the Super Kings’ bowlers.

Undeterred, Kieron Pollard stepped up to remind everyone why he’s one of T20’s most feared finishers. With MI NY needing a miracle, Pollard unleashed a barrage of towering sixes, each one landing like a thunderbolt in the stands. His brute power brought the equation down to a tantalizing 13 runs needed off the final over, and the Indian MI fan’s cheers grew louder, her faith in her team unshaken.

TSK turned to Daryl Mitchell for the crucial last over, and the all-rounder delivered a masterclass in death bowling. Mixing slower balls with clever variations, Mitchell choked MI NY’s scoring, conceding just 9 runs and sealing a heart-stopping 3-run victory for Texas Super Kings. The Coliseum roared as TSK celebrated, while MI NY walked off knowing they’d been part of an instant classic.

This game had it all: a gritty batting effort, a dramatic collapse, a spirited fightback, a moment of fielding genius, and a tense finish that came down to the wire. MLC 2025 is already proving to be a breeding ground for unforgettable cricket, and with doubleheaders scheduled for tomorrow, the tournament is poised to keep delivering edge-of-the-seat action. The Oakland Coliseum, in just its second game as an MLC venue, is fast becoming a cauldron of cricketing drama, and fans—whether local or traveling from across the globe—are in for a treat as the season unfolds.

From Conway's anchor innings to Faf's athletic brilliance to Pollard's power hitting to Mitchell's death bowling masterclass — this match had storylines for days. If you missed this one, you missed cricket at its absolute finest.👀 Stay locked in with Batball USA for all the MLC 2025 action. With finishes this tight and moments this magical, American cricket is officially must-watch television! 🎬🏏

© 2025 Batball USA. All photos and content are copyrighted and belong to Batball USA. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.