Boult and Pooran Lead the Charge as MI New York Crush Knight Riders
Trent Boult’s devastating four-wicket haul and commanding half-centuries from Nicholas Pooran and Monank Patel powered MI New York to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket action at Lauderhill.
The Knight Riders managed 154 for 8 after being asked to bat first, with Sherfane Rutherford waging a lone battle. MI New York cruised to victory with 13 balls to spare, effectively ending the Knight Riders’ playoff hopes while keeping their own campaign alive.
Boult’s Early Masterclass Sets the Tone
The Kiwi left-arm pacer was simply unplayable in the powerplay, claiming three wickets in his first three overs – all bowled. His first delivery trapped Unmukt Chand with a beautiful inswinger that beat the attempted drive. Andre Russell fell to another inswinger that kept low, while Andre Fletcher’s charge down the wicket ended with his stumps disturbed by a clever cross-seam delivery.
Boult’s figures of 4 for 17 from his four overs dismantled the Knight Riders’ top order. At 29 for 3, the Los Angeles franchise was staring down the barrel, desperately needing someone to steady the ship.
Rutherford’s Heroic Resistance
Enter Sherfane Rutherford. The West Indian all-rounder played a blinder, smashing 86 off just 44 balls with five fours and six sixes. Walking in during a crisis, he single-handedly dragged his team to a respectable total, finding little support from his teammates until Matthew Tromp contributed to a 30-run seventh-wicket stand.
Rutherford’s innings was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. He took calculated risks against MI New York’s bowlers, clearing the boundary with ease and finding gaps in the field. His dismissal in the 19th over – Boult’s fourth victim – marked the end of any realistic hopes for a competitive total.
Clinical Chase Seals Victory
MI New York’s reply was professional and measured. After losing Quinton de Kock early to Sunil Narine, captain Monank Patel and Nicholas Pooran constructed a match-winning 112-run partnership for the second wicket.
Monank played the anchor role perfectly, scoring 56 off 44 balls, while Pooran overcame a scratchy start to finish unbeaten on 62 from 47 deliveries. The Trinidad star found his rhythm as the innings progressed, hitting six fours and two sixes.
When Russell finally broke the partnership by removing Monank, only 20 runs were needed from 20 balls. Kieron Pollard joined Pooran to apply the finishing touches, smashing two sixes in his brief cameo of 14 not out from six balls.
The result leaves Los Angeles Knight Riders virtually eliminated from playoff contention, while MI New York’s hopes remain alive as the tournament enters its crucial phase. For the Knight Riders, Rutherford’s brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome their top-order collapse. For MI New York, it was a complete team performance that showcased why they remain dangerous opponents in this competition.
