Cricket

Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batter, has expressed his desire to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year after leading Washington Freedom to their first Major League Cricket (MLC) title. At 35, Smith has not played in the IPL since 2021, having gone unsold in the last two auctions.Despite being overlooked for the T20 World Cup and the upcoming tours of Scotland and England, Smith remains optimistic about his chances of making a comeback in the IPL. "I'd certainly love another opportunity at IPL. I'll be throwing my name in the ring, and we'll see how we go," Smith said.Smith's standout performance in the MLC came in the final against the San Francisco Unicorns, where he scored an 88 off 52 balls against bowlers like Australian captain Pat Cummins and Pakistan's Haris Rauf. His effort earned him the player-of-the-match award in the final.Smith's return to form in the MLC has raised questions about his omission from the Australian T20I team. However, Smith understands the team's decision to focus on younger players. "In terms of international T20s, I don't know what's going on there," Smith said. "They've obviously got some people they want to bring in, and that's fine."Despite the setbacks, Smith remains focused on improving his game. "I'll just go about my business, keep trying to improve and get better," he said.Smith also expressed interest in representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make its debut. "That's still a while away as well, so we'll wait and see. Never say never," Smith said.

Washington Freedom emerged victorious in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 championship, crushing the San Francisco Unicorns by a resounding 96 runs. Led by the brilliance of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, Freedom dominated the match from start to finish.Smith, who was surprisingly omitted from Australia's T20 World Cup squad, showcased his exceptional batting prowess. Despite a slow start, he accelerated to a blistering 88 off 52 deliveries, including six towering sixes. His partnership with Maxwell, who contributed a valuable 40, propelled Freedom to a formidable total of 207 for 5.The Unicorns' chase crumbled under the pressure of Freedom's imposing target. Marco Jansen's incisive bowling proved too much for the Unicorns' openers, claiming both wickets within the powerplay. The rest of the batting lineup failed to mount a significant challenge, with Sherfane Rutherford's dismissal, superbly caught by Ian Holland, proving a pivotal moment.Freedom's triumph marked a fitting end to a dominant season. They secured five wins in the group stage and progressed directly to the final after defeating the Unicorns in the Qualifier. Their victory cemented their status as the team of the season, with Ricky Ponting, their coach, securing a title just weeks after leaving his role with Delhi Capitals.Smith's performance in the MLC 2024 has raised questions about his international future. Despite his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, he has proven his worth as a world-class batsman. His success in the US has demonstrated that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

The highly anticipated Major League Cricket Final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns commenced with a thrilling start. San Francisco Unicorns captain Corey Anderson won the toss and elected to field first.Washington Freedom openers Steven Smith and Travis Head took to the crease, eager to set a solid foundation. Smith pushed the ball for a quick single, while Head showcased his aggressive intent with a boundary through extra cover. However, Head's luck ran out in the second over as he edged a delivery to first slip, giving Haris Rauf a crucial wicket.Andries Gous joined Smith at the crease and opened his account with a two through mid-wicket. The Freedom duo continued to rotate the strike, but the Unicorns bowlers maintained a tight line and length.At the other end, Carmi le Roux opened the bowling for San Francisco Unicorns. Travis Head welcomed him with a boundary over cover, but le Roux responded with a full delivery that Head drilled towards short cover.The Unicorns bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Pat Cummins replacing le Roux. Cummins' good length deliveries kept the Freedom batsmen in check, and Gous was eventually dismissed for 2 runs.As the innings progressed, Washington Freedom struggled to build momentum. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell fell in quick succession, leaving the team in a precarious position.However, Mukhtar Ahmed and Obus Pienaar provided some resistance, adding 35 runs for the fifth wicket. Ahmed played a gritty innings, while Pienaar struck a few boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.In the end, Washington Freedom managed to post a respectable total of 145/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Ahmed top-scored with 32 runs, while Head contributed 20.For San Francisco Unicorns, Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/25 in his four overs. Haris Rauf and Carmi le Roux also chipped in with wickets.

Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns: Live Score and AnalysisThe highly anticipated final of the 2024 tournament is underway, with Washington Freedom facing off against San Francisco Unicorns. The match has begun with a crucial toss, which was won by San Francisco Unicorns skipper Corey Anderson. The Unicorns have opted to bowl first, citing the perceived advantage of chasing in the latter stages of the game, especially with the potential for dew to affect the pitch.Despite the Unicorns' decision, the Washington Freedom remain confident in their batting abilities. They acknowledge the formidable lineup of the Unicorns, including the tournament's standout player Travis Head, but they have prepared diligently and believe they can deliver a strong performance. The Freedom will field the same team that has brought them success throughout the tournament.The psychological advantage lies with Washington Freedom, who defeated San Francisco Unicorns just two days prior. However, the Unicorns have demonstrated their resilience by taking the hard route to the final, overcoming Texas Super Kings in the Challenger.The San Francisco Unicorns have undergone a remarkable transformation since their disappointing performance in 2023. They have emerged as a formidable force, with a chance to lift the cup this year. Their success has been driven by the leadership of Steven Smith, who has been ably supported by Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Maxwell.Washington Freedom, on the other hand, have enjoyed a near-perfect campaign. Their only defeat came after they had already secured a top-two finish. They have been the table-toppers throughout the competition, showcasing their dominance and consistency.As the match progresses, both teams will be eager to seize the initiative. The Unicorns will look to capitalize on their bowling strength, while the Freedom will aim to establish a solid batting foundation. The outcome of the final remains uncertain, but it promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair.

Washington Freedom emerged victorious in the Qualifier of the 2024 Major League Cricket, securing their spot in the final. The team's commanding seven-wicket triumph over the San Francisco Unicorns was orchestrated by a stellar bowling performance led by Rachin Ravindra and an explosive batting display by Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell.Ravindra's exceptional spell of 4/11 restricted the Unicorns to a modest total of 145. Marco Jansen and Saurabh Netravalkar also contributed with crucial early breakthroughs. Despite a valiant 57 from Hassan Khan and a quick 26 from Corey Anderson, the Unicorns were bowled out in 19 overs.Washington's chase was a swift and emphatic affair, thanks to the unbeaten 85-run partnership between Head and Maxwell. Head remained unbeaten on 77 off 44 balls, hitting three sixes and 10 fours, while Maxwell provided ample support with a blistering 54 not out off 23 balls, including five sixes and four fours. The duo took Washington home with 27 balls to spare and seven wickets in hand.Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Reflecting on his innings, he said, "Feels nice, was stuck in the 50s for a bit so happy to get a match-winning score today. I don't try to play deep too much; my job is just to get a fast start. A few wickets fell today, so I just tried to adjust. It has been a good wicket, and there was a bit of swing today, but when the ball swings, it gives you a chance to score. Ricky Ponting and Smith's support has been great; they have left me alone and let me do my thing."Washington captain Steve Smith praised his team's performance, noting the excellent chemistry and execution. "Good fun, we have a good bunch of guys who have gelled together quickly. Been a good campaign, helps when you're winning along the way. Credit to us, we played really well. Nice to get to the big dance. We wanted to take wickets with the new ball, and the bowlers did well to keep them to 145, which was a bit under par. Travis and Maxi then played unbelievably well."San Francisco will now face the Texas Super Kings in the Challenger match on Saturday for another chance to reach the final and set up a rematch with Washington Freedom in the summit clash.

MLC 2024 Qualifier 1: Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns Set for Epic ClashThe stage is set for an enthralling encounter in the MLC 2024 Qualifier 1 as Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns lock horns in Dallas. Both teams have been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, boasting impressive records and all-round depth.Washington Freedom, led by the astute captaincy of Steven Smith, has been a force to reckon with. Their balanced squad features a potent batting lineup and a formidable bowling attack. Smith's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team to a remarkable 5 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no result in the league stage.San Francisco Unicorns, under the stewardship of Corey Anderson, has also showcased exceptional talent. Their squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, with a strong batting order and a versatile bowling unit. Anderson's aggressive approach has inspired the team to achieve a similar record of 5 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no result in the league phase.The two teams were separated only by net run-rate in the league standings, highlighting the intense competition between them. Both captains have expressed confidence in their teams' abilities and are eager to secure a berth in the final.The match promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both teams possessing the firepower to outplay each other. The battle between Smith's tactical acumen and Anderson's aggressive leadership will be a key factor in determining the outcome.The fans in Dallas are in for a treat as these two top-notch teams go head-to-head in a match that could shape the destiny of the MLC 2024 tournament.

San Francisco Unicorns Win Toss, Opt to Field in Major League Cricket 2024 ClashThe San Francisco Unicorns have emerged victorious in the toss for the Major League Cricket 2024 match against the Washington Freedom at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The Unicorns have chosen to field first, giving the Freedom the opportunity to set a target.The Unicorns' playing XI features a formidable lineup, including explosive opener Finn Allen, experienced all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk, and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis. The middle order boasts the power-hitting abilities of Sherfane Rutherford and Corey Anderson, who will also captain the side.The bowling attack is equally impressive, with Hassan Khan, Tajinder Dhillon, and Juanoy Drysdale providing pace and variety. Haris Rauf and Matt Henry, two of the most sought-after bowlers in the world, will lead the charge with their express pace and wicket-taking abilities.The Washington Freedom, on the other hand, will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign. Their playing XI is yet to be announced, but they are expected to field a competitive team capable of challenging the Unicorns.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides. The Unicorns will be aiming to capitalize on their strong bowling attack and set a low target for the Freedom to chase. The Freedom, in turn, will be looking to put up a big score and put pressure on the Unicorns' batting lineup.With the toss out of the way, the stage is set for an enthralling encounter in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket.

The Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom faced off in a thrilling encounter, with the Super Kings ultimately emerging victorious. The Freedom got off to a strong start, with Travis Head scoring a quickfire fifty. However, the Super Kings fought back, with Noor Ahmad taking the key wicket of Head and Dwayne Bravo dismissing Andries Gous.Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell then steadied the Freedom innings, but the Super Kings bowlers kept the pressure on. Mohammad Mohsin and Zia-ul-Haq bowled economically, while Marcus Stoinis provided the breakthrough with a wicket in his first over.In the end, the Super Kings' bowling attack proved too strong for the Freedom, who were bowled out for 150 runs. The Super Kings chased down the target with ease, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo.

Washington Freedom Triumphs Over Los Angeles Knight Riders in MLC EncounterWashington Freedom extended their winning streak to three consecutive matches in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) after defeating Los Angeles Knight Riders by eight wickets on Sunday.Opting to field first, Washington's bowlers put on a dominant display, restricting Los Angeles to a modest total of 129. Saurabh Netravalkar and Glenn Maxwell were the stars of the show, claiming four and three wickets respectively.In response, Washington's openers, Travis Head and Steve Smith, forged a formidable partnership, amassing 79 runs before Head was dismissed for 54. Smith remained unbeaten on 42, guiding his team to victory in just 16 overs.The match witnessed a bizarre incident in the second over of Washington's chase. Andre Russell's fiery short-pitched delivery shattered Head's bat, sending the upper half flying towards mid-wicket. Head's shocked reaction became an instant viral sensation on social media.Washington's dominance continued throughout the run chase. Head and Smith provided an explosive start, with Head reaching his half-century in just 27 balls. After Head's dismissal, Rachin Ravindra and Andries Gous contributed valuable runs, ensuring a comfortable victory for Washington.Earlier, Netravalkar and Maxwell's exceptional bowling performances had laid the foundation for Washington's success. Netravalkar's four wickets for 35 runs and Maxwell's three wickets for 15 runs kept Los Angeles' batters in check.Washington will now face MI New York in their next MLC match on Tuesday in Dallas, while Los Angeles will take on Seattle Orcas on Wednesday in Morrisville.