Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Jake Fraser-McGurk unleashed a whirlwind of power-hitting, smashing a breathtaking 21-ball half-century to lead the Washington Freedom to an absolute demolition of the Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket contest at Grand Prairie. The eight-wicket victory, achieved with a staggering 9.2 overs to spare, was so dominant that it catapulted Washington to the top of the MLC points table.
But the stage for this demolition was set much earlier, with the ball. After winning the toss and choosing to field, Washington Freedom’s bowlers put on a clinical display, strangling the Super Kings' star-studded batting lineup from the very start. South African pacer Marco Jansen was the chief destroyer, delivering a masterclass of seam bowling to claim exceptional figures of 3 for 13 from his four overs. He was brilliantly supported by USA’s own Saurabh Netravalkar, who took 2 for 21.
The relentless pressure meant the Super Kings could never build momentum. Despite a gritty 37 from captain Faf du Plessis, their innings limped to a well-below-par total of just 119 for 9.
Chasing a modest target, Fraser-McGurk ensured there would be no drama. The explosive young Australian opener went on an absolute rampage, treating the Texas bowlers with disdain. He blasted six fours and four towering sixes in his knock of 56 from just 24 balls, single-handedly breaking the back of the chase within the powerplay itself.
While Fraser-McGurk caused chaos, former Australian captain Steve Smith played the perfect supporting role at the other end. Calm and composed, Smith anchored the innings with an unbeaten 36 off 30 balls, guiding the team home long after his partner’s fireworks had finished.
The dominant victory, achieved with a staggering 56 balls remaining, was more than just a win; it was a powerful statement to the rest of the league. With their bowlers firing and Fraser-McGurk in unstoppable form, Washington Freedom looks like the team to beat in MLC 2024.
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