The phrase "Rise of MI New York from 3 Wins to Champion" perfectly encapsulates one of the most dramatic turnarounds in franchise T20 cricket. On July 14, 2025, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, MI New York completed a fairy-tale run by clinching their second Major League Cricket (MLC) title, despite barely scraping into the playoffs with just three wins in the league stage.
League Stage Struggles
MI New York's 2025 MLC campaign began with inconsistency, managing only three wins in their ten league matches.
Their playoff hopes hung by a thread, but the team’s resilience and belief kept them alive.
The Playoff Surge
Eliminator: MI New York found their rhythm, defeating higher-ranked opponents and gaining momentum at the perfect time.
Challenger: Another clinical performance saw them book a spot in the grand final, setting up a mouthwatering clash with defending champions Washington Freedom.
The Grand Finale: Date and Time
Date: July 14, 2025
Time: The final showdown took place in the evening at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.
Match Highlights
Batting First: MI New York posted a competitive 180/7 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 77 from Quinton de Kock and a crucial late cameo by Kunwarjeet Singh.
Washington Freedom’s Chase: The defending champions were rocked early by Trent Boult, who took two wickets in the first over. Rachin Ravindra (70) and Jack Edwards (33) rebuilt, but MI New York’s bowlers kept their nerve.
Final Over Drama: With 12 runs needed off the last six balls, 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar bowled a nerveless final over, dismissing Glenn Maxwell and restricting the dangerous Glenn Phillips, sealing a five-run win for MI New York.
The Legacy: From Underdogs to Champions
MI New York’s journey from three wins to champions is a testament to self-belief, teamwork, and the ability to peak at the right moment.
The franchise now boasts two MLC titles in three years, further solidifying their status as the most successful team in Major League Cricket history.
This victory also marked the 13th major trophy for the Mumbai Indians franchise group in global T20 cricket, underlining their dominance across continents.