By Tim Douglas 
Grand Prairie witnessed fireworks and heartbreak as Washington Freedom pulled off an unforgettable five-wicket win against Los Angeles Knight Riders in a last-ball nail-biter—chasing 214 in what now stands as one of the most thrilling contests in Major League Cricket history.
Despite an electrifying century from Knight Riders’ opener Andre Fletcher, it was the calm under fire from Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar that made all the difference in a game defined by fine margins, fielding errors, and nerves of steel.
Fletcher’s stunning 104 off 60 balls, which featured 7 fours and 6 sixes, looked destined to be a match-winning innings. Retiring after reaching three figures in the 18th over, the West Indian dynamo powered his side to 213/4, their highest total in MLC history. He was well-supported by Unmukt Chand’s composed 41 and Andre Russell’s unbeaten 30 off 13, giving LAKR a commanding total that seemed secure on paper.
But Washington Freedom had other plans. An early blitz from Mitchell Owen (43 off 16) set the tone, smashing the ball to all parts during a powerplay that yielded 73/1. Though wickets fell in patches, Freedom kept the asking rate in check with important contributions from Rachin Ravindra, Andries Gous, and Glenn Maxwell, who added a quick 42 despite two reprieves in the field.
LA Knight Riders clawed back into the contest thanks to Tanveer Sangha’s key double-strike in the 14th over, removing Maxwell and Edwards in a twist that shifted momentum again. With Freedom needing 50 off the last five overs and only two recognized batters remaining, the pressure was squarely on.
That’s when Glenn Phillips (33 off 23) and Obus Pienaar (23 off 17)** showcased calmness and clarity. Navigating tight bowling from Russell and Co., the duo steered the chase into the final over, where the drama peaked. Needing 7 off 6 balls, Russell delivered three dots after an opening boundary, threatening to snatch victory back. But a thick edge and a slice of luck allowed Phillips to hit the winning runs off the last delivery.
The victory marked the highest successful T20 run chase without an individual half-century, underlining the collective strength and resilience of Washington Freedom.
Match Summary:
LAKR: 213/4 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 104, Unmukt Chand 41, Andre Russell 30*, Ian Holland 2/25)
WF: 214/5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Owen 43, Glenn Maxwell 42, Glenn Phillips 33*, Obus Pienaar 23*, Tanveer Sangha 2/35)
Result: Washington Freedom beat Los Angeles Knight Riders by 5 wickets
As Freedom move up to second on the MLC points table, their next challenge comes against top-of-the-table San Francisco Unicorns. Meanwhile, LAKR, plagued by missed chances and inconsistent bowling, face a crucial clash against the Seattle Orcas to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Anas Ahmed