In a dominant display, Washington Freedom clinched their first Major League Cricket (MLC) title, defeating the San Francisco Unicorns by 96 runs in the 2024 final. The match, held at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, saw a stellar performance from Steve Smith, who played a pivotal role both as captain and batsman.
The Unicorns' captain, Corey Anderson, chose to bowl first after winning the toss, putting Washington Freedom into bat. Despite an early setback with the loss of Travis Head, Smith steadied the innings. He delivered a crucial 88-run knock off 52 balls, well-supported by Glenn Maxwell's quick 40 off 22 balls, helping the team set a challenging total of 207/5 in their 20 overs.
The Unicorns' chase faltered early, with Washington Freedom's bowlers maintaining pressure throughout. Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Unicorns' openers, struggled against a disciplined bowling attack led by Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra, who each took three wickets. The Unicorns were bowled out for just 111 runs in 16 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory for Washington Freedom.
Steve Smith's leadership and batting performance earned him the Man of the Match award. He praised the team's collective effort, highlighting the inclusive atmosphere and the significant contributions from players like Travis Head, who was named Player of the Tournament, and bowlers such as Saurabh Netravalkar and Lockie Ferguson.
Smith reflected on the season, emphasising the importance of staying focused and trusting the team's process. He commended the squad's resilience and unity, which proved crucial in their journey to the championship.