MLC 2026: LA Knight Riders capture first title with thrilling one-run win over Washington Freedom

Image credit: Major League Cricket NEW DELHI: Los Angeles Knight Riders held their nerve in a thrilling final to beat the Washington Freedom by one run to win their maiden Major League Cricket (MLC) title at the Oakland Coliseum in California on Saturday.Needing 14 runs from the final over, Washington looked favorites after Obus Pienaar smashed the first ball for a six. But Shadley van Schalkwyk produced three wickets in the last five deliveries, including a run-out off the final ball, to spark wild celebrations as the Knight Riders became the newest MLC champions. MI New York won the inaugural title in 2023 and again in 2025, while the Washington Freedom lifted the trophy in 2024.

Knight Riders post 164

Washington Freedom won the toss and elected to bowl. Los Angeles batted first for 164 in 19.4 overs.Andre Fletcher gave the early innings momentum with 47 off 27 balls, while Colin Munro made 40 off 29. After Andre Russell fell for a duck, Matthew Tromp played a decisive knock of 39 off 21 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes.Washington fought back with goals at regular intervals. Ben Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers with 3/31 while Rachin Ravindra (2/23), Nikhil Chaudhary (2/32) and Mitchell Owen (2/14) chipped in to see off the Knight Riders.

Narine and Holder gave command to LAKR

Washington Freedom never found the initial momentum in the chase as Sunil Narine broke through the top order. The left-arm spinner removed Mitchell Owen (9), Steven Smith (8) and Rachin Ravindra (7) to finish with magnificent figures of 3/13.Captain Jason Holder then struck three important blows as he dismissed Andries Gouse (40), Nikhil Chaudhary (25) and Ben Dwarshuis (1) to finish on 3/31.At 109/6 in the 16 overs, the Knight Riders looked firmly in control.

Pienaar almost steals the title

Pienaar launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing 53 off just 24 balls, including three fours and five sixes, to drag the Washington Freedom back into the contest. His half-century left Washington needing 14 runs from the final over and set up a dramatic finish.

Shadley delivers under pressure

The finale had everything. Pienaar started with six overs to reduce the equation to eight needed from five balls.Van Schalkwyk responded immediately with a perfect yorker that hit Pienaar’s stumps and removed the set batter at the most crucial moment.On the very next ball, Ian Holland tried to clear the inside of the pitch but could only find Jason Holder at long off, leaving Washington embarrassed.Lockie Ferguson then kept the chase alive with a boundary before hitting a single, leaving Lahiru Milantha needing three runs off the last ball.Milantha completed the first run but was run out attempting the second as keeper Jahmar Hamilton completed the shutout to seal a dramatic one-run victory for the Knight Riders.