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The penultimate match of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 sets the stage for a thrilling showdown between Texas Super Kings and MI New York in the Challenger at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. The winner will earn a spot in the MLC Final to face Washington Freedom on July 13. Texas enters this game with a superior head-to-head record, having defeated MI twice this season, including a convincing 39-run win in their last meeting. MI, however, showed resilience by edging out San Francisco Unicorns in a tight Eliminator. With momentum swinging both ways, this clash promises to be a high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat encounter.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Texas Super Kings vs MI New York (Challenger) |
| Date & Time | July 12, 2025 |
| Venue | Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, USA |
| Format | T20 |
| Live Streaming | Willow TV, FanCode |
Team Previews
Texas Super Kings Preview
Texas Super Kings were denied a shot at direct qualification to the final due to rain, but they remain a strong contender. Faf du Plessis has been the standout performer, scoring 409 runs at a strike rate of 175.33. His unbeaten 91 off 52 balls in the last game against Seattle Orcas showcased his match-winning ability. Shubham Ranjane and Donovan Ferreira have provided stability in the middle order, scoring over 200 runs each.
The bowling unit is led by Noor Ahmad and Adam Milne, who have taken 14 wickets apiece. Akeal Hosein has matured into a reliable death bowler, while Zia-ul-Haq offers variation with his off-spin. With a balanced lineup and experience in high-pressure games, Texas looks well-equipped to book their place in the final.
MI New York Preview
MI New York started the tournament poorly but staged a late resurgence to reach the Challenger. Monank Patel remains their most consistent batter with 401 runs at a strike rate of 145.81. Quinton de Kock provides a solid start, while Nicholas Pooran can turn the game single-handedly with his explosive hitting. Michael Bracewell and Kieron Pollard add firepower in the middle and lower order.
Their bowling has been inconsistent, but Trent Boult remains their key wicket-taker with 13 scalps. Nosthush Kenjige and Rushil Ugarkar chipped in with five wickets between them in the Eliminator, giving the team some hope. However, they need better control from their spinners to contain strong batting lineups. MI will rely on their big-match temperament to pull off an upset.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Texas Super Kings | Texas has a better head-to-head record, having beaten MI twice this season. Their batting is more stable, with Faf du Plessis and Shubham Ranjane delivering consistently. The bowling unit is balanced with Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, and Adam Milne offering variations. MI relies heavily on Trent Boult and Nicholas Pooran, but their inconsistency makes them unpredictable. Texas looks more settled and is our pick to win the Challenger and reach the MLC 2025 Final. |
Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Lineup)
| Faf du Plessis | Opening Batsman | TSK | Top scorer; aggressive stroke maker |
| Monank Patel | Opening Batsman | MI New York | Consistent opener; good strike rate |
| Nicholas Pooran (VC) | Middle Order Batter | MI New York | Game-changer; explosive finisher |
| Shubham Ranjane | Middle Order Batter | TSK | Valuable finisher; contributes with quick runs |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder | TSK | Steady performer; contributes with bat and ball |
| Kieron Pollard | Batter | MI New York | Finisher; hard-hitting lower-order batsman |
| Akeal Hosein | Bowler | TSK | Death specialist; controls the final overs |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | TSK | Wicket-taking threat; economical |
| Trent Boult (C) | Bowler | MI New York | Key wicket-taker; provides early breakthroughs |
| Zia-ul-Haq | Bowler | TSK | Useful variation; effective in middle overs |
| Rushil Ugarkar | Bowler | MI New York | Picks up early wickets; performed well in the Eliminator |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI includes top performers from both teams. Openers Faf du Plessis and Monank Patel offer aggressive starts. Nicholas Pooran and Shubham Ranjane are key finishers. Marcus Stoinis and Kieron Pollard provide all-round impact. Trent Boult and Noor Ahmad are crucial wicket-takers. Akeal Hosein and Zia-ul-Haq offer control in death and middle overs. Rushil Ugarkar completes the bowling lineup with his early breakthroughs.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Position | Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Trent Boult | Wicket-taking threat; multiplier potential with early strikes |
| Vice-Captain | Nicholas Pooran | Explosive finisher; capable of turning matches single-handedly |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Saiteja Mukkamalla | Inconsistent; hasn’t fired in crunch games |
| Heath Richards | No impact with bat or ball; not a regular contributor |
Team Squads
Texas Super Kings Squad
Smit Patel (wk), Faf du Plessis (c), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Marcus Stoinis, Shubham Ranjane, Donovan Ferreira, Calvin Savage, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Zia-ul-Haq, Adam Milne
MI New York Squad
Monank Patel, Quinton de Kock (wk), Nicholas Pooran (c), Tajinder Dhillon, Michael Bracewell, Kieron Pollard, Heath Richards, Tristan Luus, Nosthush Kenjige, Rushil Ugarkar, Trent Boult
Probable Playing XI
| TSK | MINY |
|---|---|
| Smit Patel (wk) | Quinton de Kock (wk) |
| Faf du Plessis (c) | Monank Patel |
| Shubham Ranjane | Nicholas Pooran (c) |
| Marcus Stoinis | Michael Bracewell |
| Donovan Ferreira | Kieron Pollard |
| Calvin Savage | Tajinder Dhillon |
| Akeal Hosein | Trent Boult |
| Noor Ahmad | Rushil Ugarkar |
| Zia-ul-Haq | Nosthush Kenjige |
| Adam Milne | Tristan Luus |
| — | Heath Richards |
Pitch Report
Grand Prairie Stadium is known for high-scoring T20 matches, with an average first-innings score of 175. The pitch is flat and offers good pace and bounce. Spinners need to be accurate with their lines and lengths. Anything above 190 is considered a strong total. Chasing under lights is slightly advantageous due to slower outfield in the second innings.
Toss Prediction
Given the nature of the pitch and the advantage of chasing under lights, the toss winner is likely to choose to bowl first , hoping to chase under favorable conditions.
Winner Prediction
Texas Super Kings enter this match with better form and a superior head-to-head record. Their batting lineup is more stable, and their bowling offers variety. MI New York has shown resilience but remains inconsistent. Unless MI pulls off a major upset, Texas is expected to clinch the final spot in the MLC 2025 Final.
Texas Super Kings to win.
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