WATCH: Jason Holder Drops a Sitter as Washington Freedom Clinch a Thriller

Washington Freedom pulled off another stunning chase in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season. They defeated the Los Angeles Knight Riders by five wickets in a thrilling last-ball finish, chasing 214 and registering the second-highest successful chase in MLC history. This win pushed Freedom to second on the points table, while the Knight Riders remained at No. 5 with another painful loss.

In the final over, Russell started with a wide and was hit for a boundary by Obus Pienaar. With two runs needed from five balls, Russell made a strong comeback and bowled three dot balls in a row. With two runs needed from two balls, the pressure was on Freedom. Pienaar took a single, giving Phillips the strike for the final delivery.
The Kiwi didn't disappoint and finished the game with a quick single. However, the run wasn't as simple. Phillips got a low full toss from Andre Russell, which he smashed towards mid-on, where skipper Jason Holder was stationed. Holder missed a simple over-the-head chance and fumbled the crucial catch. He tried to take it on the rebound by going backwards, but was unable to cling on to it. , making Freedom win the game on the final ball.

WATCH: Drama in MLC 2025 as Glenn Phillips Takes Washington Freedom To Win

The whole Los Angeles Knight Riders team was left in despair and scratching their heads after this narrow defeat. Such kinds of defeats aren't easy to digest, and LAKR needed this win badly as well. However, it wasn't their day. On the other hand, Washington Freedom successfully completed a record run-chase.

LAKR Put Up A Strong Total

In the LAKR vs WSF game, LA Knight Riders were invited to bat first and they posted a strong total of 213 for 4 in 20 overs. Andre Fletcher was the star of the innings as he smashed a quick 104 runs off just 60 balls. Fletcher’s innings was powered by seven fours and six sixes. He was later declared retired out after he reached his century in the 18th over.
On the other end, Unmukt Chand gave him good support with his knock of 41 runs off 30 balls. The duo added 130 runs for the first wicket in just 12.2 overs, giving the team a great start. Sherfane Rutherford and Andre Russell charged the Freedom’s bowlers with a quickfire of 20 and 30 off 11 and 13 deliveries respectively. While the Knight Riders had a perfect batting performance, Washington Freedom were ready for the challenge.

Washington Freedom Complete Record Run-Chase

Mitchell Owen gave Freedom a flying start. He smashed 43 runs in just 16 balls. His knock included three fours and four sixes. He added 51 runs with Rachin Ravindra for the first wicket, while Ravindra scored 18 off 12 balls. After Owen fell, Andries Gous kept the chase on track with his knock of 31 runs from 27 balls. Thanks to the stunning performance from the top order, Freedom reached 73 for 1 in the powerplay.

Later, Australia's Glenn Maxwell joined in and took charge, hitting 42 runs in only 23 balls. His innings included two fours and three sixes. The chase looked under control until Tanveer Sangha changed things. Sangha bowled a brilliant 14th over, dismissing Jack Edwards and Maxwell in the same over, giving Knight Riders a big boost. However, Freedom still had depth in their batting order.

Glenn Phillips came in and played a calm but effective knock. He stayed unbeaten on 33 runs from 23 balls. His steady batting kept Freedom in the hunt. The match went to the last over with Washington needing 7 runs from 6 balls. Andre Russell, who had bowled well in the death, was handed the ball by skipper Jason Holder.

The loss in the LAKR vs WSF game means that Knight Riders now have four defeats in six games. For Washington Freedom, the win gives them momentum and hope as the MLC 2025 playoffs approach.