MLC 2025 qualifier 1 faces weather's wrath [Source: @MLCricket/X.com]
In a dramatic turn of events, the much-awaited Qualifier of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Dallas on July 8. Freedom stormed into the final, as they had the advantage of the top position on the points table.
The match began with a flicker of hope. The toss was held on time at 6:30 PM local time, with Freedom choosing to bowl first.
Freedom made a strategic change, bringing in fiery pacer Lockie Ferguson, while the Texas Super Kings retained their playing XI from the league stage. But just as players were about to take to the field, lightning struck, quite literally.
MLC 2025 Qualifier Abandoned Due To Weather Havoc
A lightning advisory forced the ground staff to rush the covers on. And then came the storm. Heavy rain followed the lightning, turning the pitch into a soaked patch of disappointment.
Fans waited, officials monitored the conditions, and ground crews worked tirelessly, but it wasn’t enough. At 9:45 PM, more than two hours after the scheduled start, the umpires officially called the game off, 41 minutes before the five-over cut-off time.
With no reserve day scheduled, the league’s points table came into play. Washington Freedom, who had finished at the top of the standings, automatically advanced to the MLC 2025 Final, making it their second final in as many years.
MLC's tweet [Source: @MLCricket/X.com]
The Texas Super Kings, who had looked in prime form throughout the league, must now take the longer road. They will play Challenger game against the winner of the MI New York vs San Francisco Unicorns Eliminator.
The Eliminator between New York and San Francisco is also scheduled in Dallas on July 9. With the weather still unstable in the state of Texas, this game is also under serious threat of washout.