Knight Riders franchises’ co-owner Shah Rukh Khan 's dream project, a world-class stadium in Los Angeles hosted its first match on July 1. But, in the first-ever Major League Cricket (MLC) fixture at the venue, his team Los Angeles Knight Riders suffered a comprehensive defeat. Skipper Jason Holder failed to reach the pitch at Knight Riders Cricket Field as the hosts were bowled out for 108 in 17.5 overs. After pacers wreaked havoc, Washington Freedom chased down the target with six wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.
Skipper Holder had won the toss and opted to bat first. Ben Dwarshuis struck early, removed Andre Fletcher in the third over. After the powerplay overs, Knight Riders suffered a batting collapse. From 46/1, they were bowled out for 108. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar and Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen claimed economical three-fers. Dwarshuis and Ian Holland claimed two scalps apiece. For Knight Riders, Rovman Powell top-scored with a 19-ball 30 cameo.
Sunil Narine struck twice with the new ball, dismissing Owen and Andries Gous for single-digit scores. Steve Smith soon realised that it isn't a typical T20 pitch. He and Mark Chapman shared a 62-run partnership from nine overs. Andre Russell got the breakthrough in the 12th over. Later, Shadley van Schalkwyk dismissed Nikhil Chaudhary but it turned out to be a consolation wicket. Smith remained unbeaten for 40 off 44 balls as Washington Freedom got over the line on the first ball of the 18th over.
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Holder admits mistake at new ground
After their third consecutive defeat, Holder admitted that he misread the pitch as he decided to bat first.
“I can honestly say we probably misread the pitch today. I wasn't too sure, but it looked like a pretty decent surface. That's what we thought,” Holder said in the post-match presentation.
Holder also talked about the ground where LA Olympics 2028 cricket games will be played.
“The ground has a lot of potential. I think in the coming days, it'll get better and better,” he said.
LA Knight Riders at bottom
The defeat at their new homeground has led to LAKR slipping to the bottom of the points table as their net run rate (NRR) is inferior to MI New York. Meanwhile, Washington Freedom moved to the fourth spot with their third win from six games.