MLC 2026: Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult power MI New York to first win of season

MI New York captain Nicholas Pooran plays a delivery down the leg side during Match 7 of the Major League 4 Cricket season between Texas Super Kings and MI New York. (Photo/Sportzpics) Defending champions MI New York opened their MLC 2026 account with an eight-wicket win over Texas Super Kings in the final match of the opening leg of the tournament at the Grand Prairie Stadium on Monday (IST).A strong bowling display led by Trent Boult and Corbin Bosch ensured victory before skipper Nicholas Pooran led the chase with an unbeaten 68.After suffering defeat in their opening match, MI New York needed a response and they got it quickly through Boult. The left-arm pacer dismissed Smit Patel in the first over before removing Rilee Rossouw with a ball that bounced back to cut Texas to 20 for 2.Texas, who were without their regular captain Faf du Plessis due to a back spasm, struggled to recover from early setbacks. Bosch struck before the end of the Powerplay to leave them at 36 for 3.Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane rebuilt the innings with a 65-run partnership and briefly put Texas back on track. However, MI New York kept picking up goals. Ranjane fell one run short of a half-century while Bosch dismissed Donovan Ferreira and Wiaan Mulder to halt any late charge.Boult’s early breakthroughs and Bosch’s control through the middle and lethal overs ensured that Texas never regained full momentum. The innings ended on 158 with four balls to spare.MI New York started the chase aggressively. Quinton de Kock struck from the start as he took on Akeal Hosein with two fours and a six in the first over. Texas then wasted a crucial chance when Monank Patel dropped Amish de Silva in the third over.A missed opportunity proved costly. Monank and de Kock added 49 runs for the opening wicket before Monank and Pooran put together another partnership of 64 runs. While de Kock provided the first runs, Pooran drove the chase carefully and ensured there were no setbacks.Monank were dismissed for 46 after the target was well within reach. Pooran then took control and was increasing the score with the goal approaching. His unbeaten 68 helped MI New York complete the chase in 14 balls to secure their first win of the season.