TSK VS WAF MATCH 17

Right then, that is it from this game where Washington Freedom keeps their unbeaten streak alive while Texas Super Kings will need to come back stronger in the next one. The action in the MLC 2024 continues on 21st July, Sunday. It will be San Francisco Unicorns taking on Seattle Orcas. That match will begin at 6 am IST (12.30 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Steven Smith, the victorious skipper of Washington Freedom says that they are just getting better and better as the tournament goes on. Adds that Head has been brilliant at the top while the middle order has also stepped up. Tells that the bowlers have done a great job, Jessy was great again and Marco is in rhythm as well. Mentions that they have been training hard and the vibes are really good in the dressing room. Praises Jasdeep Singh and says that he has exceeded expectations and the way he is bowling to some of the top batters around the world is great to see.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Texas Super Kings says that Washington Freedom played well in the Powerplay and Travis Head put them under pressure early on. Adds that they pulled things back a bit as at one point it was looking like they would be chasing 220. Tells that when you are chasing a big total losing wickets in clusters is always going to have an effect. Mentions that they do not have an express fast bowler in their side but someone like Noor Ahmad can trouble any batter. Says that it is about confidence and that one knock that gets you going (talking about the middle order). Further adds that they have one more game and they need to get into a rhythm. Ends by saying that when you are in good form, you need to cash in.

Jasdeep Singh is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fine bowling spell. He says that he is high on emotions and he is here to enjoy himself. Credits the coaching staff for helping him throughout. Mentions that he follows the plan and says that the wicket was two-paced and the idea was to try and make the batters target the longer boundaries. Says that he saw Faf du Plessis was struggling and he wanted to repeat what Lockie Ferguson did.

Presentation Time...

Travis Head is up for a quick chat. He says that he tries to stay calm and build momentum early on. Adds that he tries to take advantage of the Powerplay. Mentions that if he feels that the wicket is good he will try and attack and create an impact trying to get as many runs. Says that it was a used wicket hence it was the same for both teams. Adds that he tries to stay relaxed before the game.

Earlier in the game, Washington Freedom posted the biggest total in the league this season courtesy of a smashing fifty from Travis Head at the top while Steven Smith anchored the innings with a magnificent half-century as well. Glenn Maxwell and Obus Pienaar also contributed with quick-fire cameos. Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for Texas Super Kings with three wickets while Dwayne Bravo chipped in with a couple. While chasing, TSK got off to a flier, and when Faf du Plessis was batting, they were very much in the game but after his dismissal, it was all about the Freedom as they did not allow the Super Kings to get back in the game.

Washington Freedom, on the other hand, will be quite happy with their bowling effort. They were under a bit of pump in the Powerplay but Glenn Maxwell did manage to get rid of Devon Conway. Then they took a bit of a beating but just like in their previous, it was Jasdeep Singh who stepped up big time and picked up three crucial wickets in the middle overs to change the momentum and turn things around for his team. Their catching and fielding were exceptional as well which helped them maintain the pressure on the batters. Maxi added two more to his tally while it was Rachin Ravindra who wrapped things up for his side with a fine four-wicket haul

Texas Super Kings needed a quick start chasing this big score and they got one as well with both the openers playing their shots. Devon Conway couldn't stick around for long but Faf du Plessis was sensational and spared no bowler registering the fastest fifty this season. Aaron Hardie played a quick cameo and added over 50 runs with the skipper before getting out. They set up a good platform for themselves in the chase but a couple of quiet overs increased the pressure and Faf lost his wicket trying to up the end. That was the start of the downfall for them as they never really could stitch up another partnership, a few of the batters like Marcus Stoinis and Calvin Savage played a few lusty blows but that wasn't enough as they fell short by a big margin of 42 runs.

WASHINGTON FREEDOM WITH ANOTHER WONDERFUL WIN! They still remain the only unbeaten team in MLC 2024 and confirm their spot in the top two. That is important because now they will get to shots at the final in the playoffs and they are looking like serious contenders. Texas Super Kings put up a brave fight but it was just not enough. However, they still have their qualification hopes in their hands.

OUT! LBW! APPEAL AND GIVEN! Rachin Ravindra serves it full around off. Calvin Savage goes for the reverse sweep and gets hit on the pads. The umpire raises a finger to the appeal but Calvin Savage goes for the review. UltraEdge shows no spike. Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is hitting the wickets and Rachin Ravindra has cleaned up the Texas Super Kings. They continue their unbeaten streak in this tournament.

OUT! LBW! APPEAL AND GIVEN! Rachin Ravindra serves it full around off. Calvin Savage goes for the reverse sweep and gets hit on the pads. The umpire raises a finger to the appeal but Calvin Savage goes for the review. UltraEdge shows no spike. Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is hitting the wickets and Rachin Ravindra has cleaned up the Texas Super Kings. They continue their unbeaten streak in this tournament.

Tossed up around the toes. Zia-ul-Haq comes down the track and drills it to long off for a single.

Zia-ul-Haq is the last man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Rachin Ravindra almost cleans up the innings. Goes full and on the toes. Noor Ahmad flicks it aerially but picks the deep square leg area where Glenn Maxwell takes the safest of catches.

OUT! TAKEN! Rachin Ravindra almost cleans up the innings. Goes full and on the toes. Noor Ahmad flicks it aerially but picks the deep square leg area where Glenn Maxwell takes the safest of catches.

Tossed up outside off. Noor Ahmad misses out on this one because the ball stayed low.

Full and turning away outside off. Noor Ahmad misses on his shot and the ball misses the stump by a whisker.