MLC 2026: Washington Freedom beat LA Knight Riders, jump to fourth place in standings

Mark Chapman (photo by @WSHFreedom on X) The Washington Freedom produced a dominant all-round performance to beat the Los Angeles Knight Riders by six wickets to climb from the bottom of the Major League Cricket 2026 points table to fourth. Their bowlers and fielders ensured victory by restricting LAKR to just 108 in 17.5 overs on a slow surface.After opting to bat, Knight Riders looked to gain momentum. Colin Munro scored 25, Matthew Tromp 21 and Rovman Powell a fighting 30. However, Washington’s disciplined bowling attack kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. Saurabh Netravalkar and Mitchell Owen played with three wickets each, while Ben Dwarshuis and Ian Holland took two wickets each. Washington’s sharp fielding and excellent catching also played a key role in dismantling the LAKR batting line-up.Chasing a modest target of 109, Washington suffered two early setbacks as Sunil Narine dismissed Mitchell Owen and Andries Gouse, briefly giving the Knight Riders hope of a comeback. However, captain Steven Smith remained calm under pressure and found the perfect partner in Mark Chapman.The pair put together a crucial partnership of 62 runs, giving away the game to LAKR. Chapman played an aggressive knock of 34 off 30 balls before falling to Andre Russell, but that was firmly in Washington’s control. Smith anchored the chase brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 40 off 44 deliveries and guiding his side home with almost three performances.The comprehensive win not only boosted the Washington Freedom’s net run rate, but also vaulted them into the top four of the standings.

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Share an opinionDespite Narine’s impressive spell of 2 for 25, the Knight Riders could not defend their sub-par total as Washington completed a comfortable win.