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In a crucial match for Washington Freedom, they secured their spot in the Top 2 by defeating Texas Super Kings by 42 runs in match 17 of the ongoing edition of the Major League Cricket 2024 which was being played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, on July 20. Opting to bat first on a used pitch, Steve Smith's decision proved astute as Travis Head continued his stellar form with a blistering 53 off just 22 balls, setting the tone with 8 fours and 2 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 240.
Smith himself contributed a solid 57 runs. TSK tried to make a comeback by dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Andries Gous but Glenn Maxwell and Obus Pienaar ensured a great finish scoring 34 and 33 with three sixes each helping the team reach 206/5 in 20 overs. Freedom managed to go past 200 despite Noor Ahmad's impressive bowling for Texas Super Kings, taking three crucial wickets. Rachin Ravindra also showed brilliant display of his variations taking 4 wickets.
In response, Texas Super Kings started aggressively with Devon Conway and Faf Du Plessis, but Glenn Maxwell's timely introduction by Steve Smith saw Conway departing early. Du Plessis fought valiantly with a brisk 55 off 32 balls, but the run rate kept climbing beyond reach as Washington Freedom's bowlers tightened their grip. Jasdeep Singh's excellent spell of 3 for 25 and Rachin Ravindra's economical final over, where he took two wickets for 16 runs, sealed a 42-run victory for Washington Freedom. Jasdeep Singh also won the man of the match for his key dismissals ensuring the win for Washington Freedom.
The win ensured Washington Freedom's unbeaten streak in the league, solidifying their Top 2 finish with one game being washed out. With this result, Washington Freedom continues to impress, building momentum at the right juncture of the tournament. Their balanced approach, led by Smith's tactical acumen and Head's explosive batting, poses a significant challenge to other teams eyeing playoff spots. Washington Freedom will be looking to carry forward their winning streak and Texas Super Kings aiming for a comeback to secure their playoff berth.
Captains after match
"We are just getting better and better as the tournament has gone on. Travis has been very good, getting us off to good starts. The spinners have been good, Jasdeep too and Lockie right through the season. We are training really hard and there are no real surprises (with the results). We have locked away a top-two finish and now looking forward to the next few games. He (Jasdeep) has exceeded expectations and picked up big wickets in both the games, he has a bright future” said Smith after the win.
“We have gone well, still sitting pretty well, let guys free and hope they come good at some point in the tournament. The first objective is to qualify for the playoffs and then take it from there. You just have to cash in when you are feeling good and have the rhythm” said Faf Du Plessis about the next matches after the defeat.
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