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On a balmy July 11th evening in Dallas, the stakes couldn’t have been higher as Texas Super Kings (TSK) locked horns with MI New York (MINY) in Qualifier 2 of Major League Cricket 2025. With a ticket to the final on the line, both teams brought their A-game to Grand Prairie Stadium, but it was the power-packed MI New York side, led by Nicholas Pooran, that stormed into the final with a clinical seven-wicket win, chasing down 167 with an over to spare.
Nicholas Pooran tosses Marcus Stoinis for a 102 m massive six
The turning point of the chase, and arguably the moment of the match, came in the 16th over. Marcus Stoinis, usually reliable with the ball, delivered a fuller-length ball outside off to Pooran. With nerves still lingering and the target in sight, Pooran unleashed his signature beast mode. He cleared his front leg, met the ball with a clean swing, and sent it soaring high and handsome over wide long-on. The ball traveled a jaw-dropping 102 meters, disappearing into the Dallas night and electrifying the crowd. It was more than just six runs, it was a statement of intent, a shot that calmed MINY nerves and set the tone for the final push.
Pooran’s innings was a masterclass in composure and controlled aggression. He finished unbeaten on 52 from 36 balls, peppering his knock with four boundaries and three sixes, including that monstrous hit. The six not only shifted momentum but also showcased why Pooran remains one of T20 cricket’s most feared finishers.
Here’s the video:
There’s a reason why Nicky P. is the MINY skipper 😮💨
— Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket)
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Kieron Pollard and Pooran power MINY to the MLC 2025 final
The match began with TSK opting to bat first, but their innings stuttered early, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Faf du Plessis anchored the innings with a fluent 59 (42), while Akeal Hosein’s unbeaten 55 (32) provided late impetus, pushing the total to a competitive 166/5. For MINY, Tristan Luus (3/35) and Rushil Ugarkar (2/31) were the pick of the bowlers, keeping the Texas lineup in check during key phases.
MINY’s chase started shakily, losing Quinton de Kock early. Monank Patel steadied the ship with a composed 49 (39), but when he fell at 83/3, the game was finely balanced. Enter Kieron Pollard, who joined Pooran to form a match-winning partnership. Pollard’s explosive 47* off 22 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award. Together, the duo added an unbeaten 89 runs in just 41 balls, dismantling the TSK attack with clinical precision. The match flow saw MINY accelerate after the 15th over, with both Pooran and Pollard switching gears. They reached the target of 167 in 19 overs, sealing a dominant seven-wicket victory and booking their spot in the MLC 2025 final.
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