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The highly anticipated MLC 2025 Qualifier 1 match between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings had to be abandoned due to persistent rain and lightning, making the playing conditions unsafe.
Toss takes place in Qualifier 1 but lightning and rain have the final say
The toss took place at exact time, with Freedom electing to bowl first. They made a single change to their playing XI, bringing in Lockie Ferguson in place of Mark Chapman. Meanwhile, the Super Kings opted for an unchanged XI from their previous game. However, minutes before scheduled start, the stadium was placed under a lightning advisory, prompting ground staff to cover the pitch. Following the lightning, heavy rainfall took over, and despite brief breaks, conditions never improved enough for play to commence.
The match was officially called off almost three hours after the scheduled start, and 41 minutes before the cut-off time for a five-over game. With the match called off, the Freedom, advances directly to the MLC 2025 final. While Super Kings will be disappointed, they are not yet out of the tournament and will have the chance to fight for a spot in the final through the Challenger match.
Washington Freedom’s qualification for the MLC 2025 final after Qualifier 1 washout
The Freedom’s direct qualification to the final was ensured by their dominant performance in the league stage. Finishing at the top of the points table with 16 points from 10 matches, they secured a crucial advantage, as the tournament’s playoff format gives the top team from the league stage a direct route to the final through Qualifier 1. According to MLC’s rules, if Qualifier 1 is abandoned, the team finishing higher on the league table automatically progresses to the final.
This structure ensures that the superior team from the regular season is rewarded, safeguarding their consistent excellence despite unforeseen disruptions like weather-related washouts. For the Super Kings, the abandoned Qualifier 1 match means they will now focus on the Challenger, where they will compete against the winner of the Eliminator between San Francisco Unicorns and MI New York. While the washout denied them a direct path to the final, their tournament is far from over. The Super Kings will now need to regroup and seize their opportunity in the next stage of the playoffs, where they can still earn a spot in the Grand Final.
Also READ: Major League Cricket 2025: Complete squads of all six MLC teams
