MI New York franchise appointed Nicholas Pooran as their captain for Major League Cricket's (MLC) third season. Fresh after retirement from international cricket, Pooran was expected to set the MLC stage on fire but it has been the opposite. Barring the unbeaten century against Seattle Orcas in a losing cause, Pooran has struggled and it has been one of the major reasons why they have lost six out of seven games. After the 39-run defeat to Texas Super Kings, Pooran admitted that losing is tough but he did not rule out a comeback to qualify for playoffs. He pointed out that the MI franchise is known for turnarounds after horrendous starts.
"It's (losing) tough, we have struggled with our bowling throughout the tournamnent. We bowled well in the middle overs today. They (Faf and other batters) took it deep, his (Faf's) experience really mattered. Our bowlers went for runs. We need to keep learning things going forward," Pooran said in the post-match presentation.
"It was an incredible knock. He (Pollard) showed us how to go about it. He continues to make it (batting) look so easy. Really nice to see him enjoying the game and contributing.
"T20 cricket is all about momentum. Different contributions in Miami, one win can change things for us. MI franchise is never out of any tournament, everyone knows it."
In the run chase of 224, Pooran walked out to open instead of Monank Patel to counter the Akeal Hosein threat. However, Pooran could not get going and fell to left-arm pacer Nandre Burger for a single-digit scores. This was his fourth single-digit score of the season.
3 contenders for 4th playoffs berth
MI New York are currently placed fifth on the points table with just one win from seven games. The only positive for them is their net run rate (NRR) which is better than the other two contenders for the fourth playoffs spot. However, Seattle Orcas have gained momentum of late with two consecutive wins since the change in leadership and Shimron Hetmyer fulfilling the role of finisher.
On the other hand, Los Angeles Knight Riders have lost six games out of seven as well. Their NRR is worse in the season so far.MI New York's next match is against Knight Riders on July 3. They will go up against Knight Riders again on July 5. Their 10th and final clash of the season is against Washington Freedom on July 6.