Nicholas Pooran found just the right time to remind everyone of his mercurial potential and, he did so, by playing a jaw-dropping knock in the final of Major League Cricket (MLC) on July 31 (Monday). If ever there was a definition of a captain leading from the front, Pooran personified it in the best way possible and helped MI New York create history by winning the first-ever MLC crown. On the back of skipper Pooran's destructive innings of 137 not out off 55 balls, MI New York defeated Seattle Orcas by seven wickets and 24 balls to spare at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Chasing a tricky target of 184 runs, New York got off to a worst-possible start with Steven Taylor departing on just the third ball of the innings without troubling the scorers. Pooran walked in at No.3 and took instant control of the situation and powerplay. The left-handed explosive batter was in the mood from the onset and annihilated Seattle bowlers with nonchalance.
Pooran registered a 62-run partnership with Shayan Jahangir for the second wicket and the latter's contribution was just 10 runs off 11 balls. If it wasn't clear enough the Pooran meant business, it became evident when the southpaw smashed three sixes in Andrew Tye's over to end the powerplay.
It was a one-man show for New York and Pooran put on a spectacular display for fans watching the onslaught from the stands or on their television sets.
Dewald Brevis scored 20 runs off 18 balls but with Pooran going bonkers at the other end, the South African batter's innings didn't mean much. In his pulverising knock, Pooran smashed 10 fours and 13 sixes before MI New York began celebration for their maiden triumph.
Imad Wasim and Wayne Parnell were the only two bowlers who managed to bag a wicket each for Seattle Orcas.
Earlier, New York won the toss and elected to bowl first. Quinton de Kock played an attractive knock of 87 runs off 56 with the help of nine fours and four sixes. Despite De Kock, no other Seattle batter made any significant contribution. As a result, the team registered a score of 183/9 in 20 overs.
Rashid Khan was the pick of all bowlers as he finished his spell with three wickets and conceded just nine runs. Trent Boult also bagged three wickets while Steven Taylor and David Wiese chipped in with a wicket each.Ā
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