As the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 enters its crucial phase, the battle for the final playoff spot intensifies. The 26th match of the tournament sees Seattle Orcas face Washington Freedom in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. With three teams already qualifying for the playoffs, the fourth and final berth is up for grabs, making this clash vital for both sides. While Washington Freedom has had a stellar season so far with six wins from eight games, Seattle Orcas must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Having lost to Washington earlier in the tournament, the Orcas will look to bounce back under pressure. Both teams come into this game with contrasting form — Washington coming off a loss to Texas Super Kings, while Seattle has won three consecutive matches.
Match Details
Match | Washington Freedom vs Seattle Orcas (Match 26) |
Date & Time | June 14, 2025 |
Venue | Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida |
Format | T20 |
Live Streaming | ESPNcricinfo, Willow TV |
Team Previews
Washington Freedom Preview
Glenn Maxwell’s Washington Freedom has been one of the most consistent teams in MLC 2025, securing six wins out of eight games. Despite suffering a 43-run defeat against Texas Super Kings in their last outing, the team remains strong in all departments. Mitchell Owen and Rachin Ravindra have provided solid starts at the top, while Andries Gous, Glenn Phillips, and Maxwell himself add firepower in the middle order. In the bowling department, Saurabh Netravalkar and Lockie Ferguson are key wicket-takers, and Jack Edwards and Mitchell Owen provide valuable support with the ball. The side also benefits from all-round contributions from Ian Holland and Ravindra. With a strong batting lineup and a balanced attack, Washington enters this match as firm favorites.
Seattle Orcas Preview
Sikandar Raza-led Seattle Orcas have made a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start to the tournament. Winning their last three matches, including a four-wicket victory over San Francisco Unicorns, they’ve reignited their playoff hopes. However, they lost their previous encounter against Washington Freedom, which could affect their morale. Steven Taylor and Shayan Jahangir need to deliver a stable opening stand, followed by Kyle Mayers anchoring the innings. Heinrich Klaasen and Aaron Jones bring explosive finishing power. In bowling, Harmeet Singh and Gerald Coetzee lead the pace attack, supported by Ayan Desai and Waqar Salamkheil. Though the team has improved, inconsistency in batting and lack of depth in bowling remain concerns. They must overcome mental barriers to beat a confident Washington side.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
Washington Freedom | Washington has a superior record against Seattle and a more balanced squad. Their batting depth, led by Glenn Phillips and Glenn Maxwell, gives them an edge. Saurabh Netravalkar and Lockie Ferguson offer pace and experience, complemented by effective spin options. Although they lost their last game, their overall consistency and confidence make them strong favorites. Seattle needs everything to go right to pull off an upset. |
Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Lineup)
Mitchell Owen | Opening Batsman | Washington Freedom | Consistent opener; good form and partnership potential |
Rachin Ravindra | All-Rounder | Washington Freedom | Batting flair + useful part-time spin |
Andries Gous | Wicket-Keeper | Washington Freedom | Reliable batter in middle order |
Glenn Phillips | Batter | Washington Freedom | Explosive hitter, especially in death overs |
Kyle Mayers | All-Rounder | Seattle Orcas | Can change the game with bat or ball |
Sikandar Raza | Captain | Seattle Orcas | Experienced leader, handy lower-order batsman |
Heinrich Klaasen | Batter | Seattle Orcas | Aggressive finisher |
Harmeet Singh | Bowler | Seattle Orcas | Key wicket-taking threat |
Saurabh Netravalkar | Bowler | Washington Freedom | Top-class pacer, economical and strikes early |
Lockie Ferguson | Bowler | Washington Freedom | Fast bowler with experience, can trouble batters |
Ayan Desai | Bowler | Seattle Orcas | Middle-over control bowler |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI combines top performers from both teams. Mitchell Owen and Glenn Phillips are aggressive openers who can set the tone. Andries Gous provides stability in the middle, while Kyle Mayers and Sikandar Raza offer all-round value. The bowling trio of Saurabh Netravalkar, Harmeet Singh, and Lockie Ferguson brings pace and variety. Heinrich Klaasen and Heinrich Klaasen are included for late-innings fireworks.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
Captain | Glenn Phillips | Explosive batter, scores quickly, ideal for multiplier points |
Vice-Captain | Kyle Mayers | All-round impact, capable of scoring big runs and taking key wickets |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
Obus Pienaar | Struggles for form and consistency; not reliable for fantasy points |
Shayan Jahangir | Inconsistent performer; lacks match-winning ability |
Team Squads
Washington Freedom Squad
Glenn Maxwell (c), Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, Andries Gous (wk), Jack Edwards, Glenn Phillips, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Ian Holland, Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson
Seattle Orcas Squad
Sikandar Raza (c), Shayan Jahangir (wk), Aaron Jones, Kyle Mayers, Heinrich Klaasen, Steven Taylor, Shimron Hetmyer, Gerald Coetzee, Harmeet Singh, Ayan Desai, Waqar Salamkheil
Probable Playing XI
Mitchell Owen | Steven Taylor |
Rachin Ravindra | Shayan Jahangir (wk) |
Andries Gous (wk) | Aaron Jones |
Glenn Phillips | Kyle Mayers |
Jack Edwards | Heinrich Klaasen |
Glenn Maxwell (c) | Shimron Hetmyer |
Obus Pienaar | Sikandar Raza (c) |
Mukhtar Ahmed | Gerald Coetzee |
Ian Holland | Harmeet Singh |
Saurabh Netravalkar | Ayan Desai |
Lockie Ferguson | Waqar Salamkheil |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium favors bowlers in the initial overs due to movement and slower nature. Spinners also get assistance later on. Chasing seems slightly advantageous as the pitch gets easier to bat on. First-innings average score is around 165, but teams aim to post 190+ if possible.
Toss Prediction
The toss is expected to be won by Washington Freedom , and based on conditions, they might opt to bowl first due to overcast skies and difficult early batting conditions.
Winner Prediction
Despite Seattle Orcas’ recent resurgence, Washington Freedom’s superior head-to-head record, better team balance, and consistent performance make them the clear favorites. Washington Freedom to win this match and secure a strong position ahead of the playoffs.
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