Cricket

MI New York Triumphs in MLC 2024 Opener with Pooran's BrillianceIn a thrilling start to Major League Cricket 2024, defending champions MI New York emerged victorious over Seattle Orcas by six wickets at Morrisville's Church Street Park.Opting to field first, MI New York's bowling attack proved formidable. Trent Boult and Rashid Khan, two of the world's premier bowlers, wreaked havoc on the Seattle Orcas batting lineup, claiming three wickets each. Kieron Pollard also chipped in with two dismissals, restricting the Orcas to a modest total of 108 all out in 19.1 overs.MI New York's chase got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. However, Nicholas Pooran stepped up to the plate, delivering a scintillating innings of 62 runs from just 37 balls. His knock, which included two sixes and seven boundaries, propelled MI New York to victory in just 14.2 overs.Pooran's match-winning performance earned him the Man of the Match award. "It's nice to start with a win, the key is to get off to a good start," said Pooran after the match. "We had a wonderful powerplay, Rashid then came and did his job, it was important that everyone came up and contributed to the win."MI New York skipper Kieron Pollard praised Pooran and Rashid for their contributions. "It was a nice toss to win, bowling in this heat. The bowlers came up well and managed to stay with their plans," said Pollard. "We've made a few additions to the team, everyone understands their responsibility as well."With this victory, MI New York has set the tone for the tournament, demonstrating their determination to defend their title. The team's next match is scheduled to take place shortly, and they will be eager to continue their winning ways.

Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 is set to witness a star-studded lineup of international players, with several high-profile signings announced on the eve of the tournament.Texas Super KingsThe Texas Super Kings, owned by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, have acquired New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell as their new overseas signing. Mitchell, who was part of CSK's IPL squad in 2023, will join his New Zealand teammates Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway in the USA.MI New YorkThe defending champions, MI New York, have bolstered their squad with the signings of West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd and South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje. Shepherd, who has been in impressive form for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, will reunite with his former West Indies captain and Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard at MI NY.Seattle OrcasThe Seattle Orcas have signed New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell, who has been troubled by injuries in recent times. Bracewell will join his former Wellington Firebirds teammate Finn Allen at the Orcas.San Francisco UnicornsThe San Francisco Unicorns have acquired Australian batter Matt Short. Short, who has played for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, will add depth to the Unicorns' batting lineup.Other Notable SigningsWest Indies wicketkeeper-batter Jahmar Hamilton has been picked by the Unicorns, while former Pakistan international Hammad Azam has joined the Orcas. Former Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Adithya Ganesh has been selected by the Los Angeles Knight Riders as the No.1 pick in the domestic draft.Super Kings' Head Coach Stephen Fleming's CommentsSuper Kings' head coach Stephen Fleming, who worked with Mitchell during his time with the New Zealand coaching staff, expressed his excitement about the allrounder's signing. "I'm really excited to be part of the Texas Super Kings and to get to yellove again and be part of the CSK family," Mitchell said.Shepherd's Impact on MI NYShepherd's addition to MI NY's squad is expected to strengthen their death bowling. The West Indian has added a Dwayne Bravo-esque slower dipper to his repertoire, which will be a valuable asset for the team.Domestic DraftIn the domestic draft, the Super Kings snapped up Raj Nannan and Josh Tromp, while the Knight Riders selected Adithya Ganesh as their top pick. The Super Kings have also added USA mystery spinner Anirudh Immanuel as a net bowler.