Nicholas Pooran Wins MLC 2024 Season Opener for MI New York
On Friday, MI New York routed Seattle Orcas by six wickets to start their Cognizant Major League Cricket 2024 title defence.
Nick Pooran was the focus at Church Street Park in Morrisville. With an unbeaten 62 off 37 balls, the West Indian wicketkeeper-batter continued his 2023 form. He helped MI New York to 109 runs in 14.2 overs.
Pooran’s tremendous punch overwhelmed the Seattle Orcas. Pooran and Kieron Pollard (8*) led their team to its first MLC 2024 win despite losing Shayan Jahangir (3) and Tim David (12).
Initial wickets of Ruben Clinton (6) and USA’s Monank Patel (8) favoured Seattle Orcas. Both wickets in the third over were taken by Cameron Gannon, giving his team optimism.
Earlier in the day, MI New York bowled out Seattle Orcas for 108 runs. Both Rashid Khan and Trent Boult claimed three wickets, never letting their opponents settle.
In the first over, Boult dismissed Nauman Anwar for a duck. One light edge went to wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran from Anwar’s late cut.
The Seattle Orcas’ Battle
Seattle Orcas wanted to score with Quinton de Kock (5) at the crease. Boult’s next over saw de Kock removed for a top edge caught by Pooran while hitting through leg side.
Thus, MI New York kept control by taking regular wickets. Shubham Ranjane scored 35 runs off 31 balls to lead Seattle Orcas. He frequented the boundary but was caught by Tim David trying to hit Rashid Khan for successive sixes.
Harmeet Singh’s Work
Harmeet Singh, who has participated in the T20 World Cup for the USA, scored 20 runs. With 34 balls to spare, MI New York beat Seattle Orcas’ aim.
In his following over, Pooran hit Gannon for two sixes and fours, turning play around. This boosted MI New York.