In a heart-stopping Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 Eliminator match at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, on July 9, 2025, Trent Boult transformed from a pace-bowling maestro into an unlikely batting hero, steering MI New York to a dramatic two-wicket victory over the San Francisco Unicorns. Chasing a modest 132, MI New York were teetering at 108/8, needing 24 runs off 19 balls with only two wickets left. Boult, known for his death-bowling prowess, smashed back-to-back sixes in the 19th over, finishing unbeaten on 22* off 13 balls to secure a thrilling win with three balls to spare. His all-round brilliance—2/19 with the ball and a match-defining cameo—earned him the Player of the Match award and propelled MI New York into Qualifier 2 against Texas Super Kings. This article dives into the key moments, Boult’s heroics, and what lies ahead for MI New York in the MLC 2025 playoffs.
Match Recap: A Rollercoaster Thriller
Unicorns’ Collapse and Bartlett’s Fightback
MI New York captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss and elected to bowl under overcast skies, with rain briefly delaying the start but not reducing overs. The decision paid dividends as Boult and Nosthush Kenjige tore through the Unicorns’ top order, reducing them to a precarious 16/5 in the fifth over. Boult struck twice, dismissing Tim Seifert (caught behind) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (edged to the keeper), while Kenjige removed Matthew Short and Sanjay Krishnamurthi. A run-out of Hassan Khan, courtesy of Pooran’s direct hit, deepened the Unicorns’ woes. However, Xavier Bartlett’s explosive 44 off 24 balls, including four sixes, and contributions from Cooper Connolly (23) and Brody Couch (19), lifted San Francisco to a respectable 131 in 19.1 overs. Rushil Ugarkar (3/19) and Boult (2/19) were the standout bowlers, with Kieron Pollard chipping in to dismiss Bartlett in the 18th over.
MI New York’s Chase: From Comfort to Chaos
Chasing 132, MI New York started confidently, with openers Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel both scoring 33, building a 43-run stand in 38 balls. The powerplay yielded 37/0, putting MI in the driver’s seat. However, Matthew Short’s off-spin sparked a dramatic collapse, dismissing de Kock (lbw) and Pooran (bowled) in the eighth over. Hassan Khan then turned the game with two double-wicket overs, removing Michael Bracewell and Heath Richards in the 15th, followed by Tajinder Singh and Tristan Luus in the 17th, leaving MI reeling at 108/8. With 24 runs needed off 19 balls and only tailenders left, the Unicorns seemed poised for a stunning comeback.
Boult’s Game-Changing Cameo
Enter Trent Boult at No. 9, with MI New York staring down the barrel. Facing Hassan Khan’s left-arm spin in the 19th over, Boult unleashed two colossal sixes—one lofted over wide long-on, the other hammered straight over long-on—flipping the equation to just five runs needed off nine balls. His composure under pressure, including farming the strike to protect Kenjige, was pivotal. Kenjige (3* off 5) hit the winning runs, sealing a two-wicket victory with three balls remaining. Boult’s unbeaten 22 off 13 balls, alongside his earlier bowling heroics, earned him widespread praise and the Player of the Match award.
Boult’s All-Round Masterclass
A Bowling Blueprint
Boult’s impact began with the ball, where his 2/19 in four overs set the tone. His ability to exploit the Dallas pitch’s swing-friendly conditions dismantled the Unicorns’ top order early. Dismissing Seifert and Fraser-McGurk in quick succession, Boult showcased his trademark accuracy and movement, leaving San Francisco at 21/5 after five overs. His partnership with Kenjige (2/43) and Ugarkar’s disciplined spell ensured the Unicorns couldn’t recover fully, despite Bartlett’s late blitz. Boult’s running catch at short third to dismiss a Unicorns batter further highlighted his fielding prowess.
An Unexpected Batting Hero
While Boult’s bowling brilliance is no surprise—he has taken 15 wickets in MLC 2025, including 4/20 in the 2023 Eliminator—his batting heroics caught everyone off guard. His 22* off 13 balls included two sixes and a strike rate of 169.23, a stark contrast to his career T20 batting average of 8.75. Posts on X erupted with amazement, with users like @CricCrazyJohns calling him “THE FINISHER OF MI NEW YORK” and @Sportskeeda hailing his “brisk unbeaten 22” as a game-changer. Boult himself downplayed his batting, joking, “Everyone jokes about my batting, but it was nice to contribute,” underscoring his humility despite stealing the spotlight.
Key Factors in MI New York’s Victory
Tactical Decision-Making
Nicholas Pooran’s decision to bowl first in a rain-affected match was spot-on, allowing Boult and Kenjige to exploit early conditions. The bowling unit’s discipline restricted the Unicorns to 131, a total that seemed below-par despite Bartlett’s heroics. Pooran’s field placements and bowling changes, including using Pollard to break the Bartlett-Couch partnership, kept the pressure on. In the chase, MI’s ability to regroup after losing five wickets for 16 runs showcased their resilience, with Boult’s cameo proving the decisive factor.
Unicorns’ Missed Opportunities
The Unicorns, despite a strong start to the season with six consecutive wins, were hampered by injuries to key players like Haris Rauf (hamstring), Romario Shepherd (ankle), and Finn Allen (foot). Their top-order collapse to 16/5 was a death knell, and while Bartlett’s 44 provided respectability, their bowling relied heavily on Short (3/22) and Khan (4/30). Khan’s failure to close out the 19th over against Boult proved costly, as his short-pitched deliveries were dispatched for sixes. The Unicorns’ late-season form—losing three of their last four group-stage matches—carried into the Eliminator, ending their MLC 2025 campaign.
Boult’s X-Factor
Boult’s all-round performance was the difference-maker. His 2/19 dismantled the Unicorns early, and his batting cameo turned a near-certain defeat into a historic victory. As @MLCricket noted on X, “Trent Boult is known for being a hero with the ball, but tonight, he was a shining star with the bat,” earning him the Stake Player of the Match award. His ability to stay calm under pressure, especially in a high-stakes chase, underscored his value to MI New York.
What’s Next for MI New York?
Qualifier 2 Showdown
MI New York now face Texas Super Kings in Qualifier 2 on July 11, 2025, at Grand Prairie Stadium, with the winner advancing to the MLC 2025 final against Washington Freedom on July 12. After their first-ever win over the Unicorns in MLC history, MI New York carry momentum, but the Super Kings, led by Faf du Plessis, pose a formidable challenge. Boult’s form with the ball will be crucial against TSK’s strong batting lineup, and his newfound batting confidence could be a trump card in another tight chase.
Challenges Ahead
MI New York must address their middle-order fragility, exposed by the collapse from 92/3 to 108/8. Key players like Pooran and Pollard, who fell cheaply, need to step up in Qualifier 2. Boult’s workload is another concern, as he bowled his full quota and played a high-intensity batting role. Coach Kieron Pollard will need to manage his star pacer carefully to ensure he’s fresh for the crucial knockout match. The Dallas pitch, which offered swing early but flattened out, could favor TSK’s batsmen, putting pressure on MI’s bowlers to replicate their Eliminator discipline.
Fan and Social Media Buzz
The cricket world on X was abuzz with Boult’s heroics, with @CricCrazyJohns posting, “TRENT BOULT, THE HERO FOR MI WITH BAT IN ELIMINATOR 🤯,” and @cryptoHolder09 noting, “Boult finishes unbeaten on 22 from 13 balls.” The sentiment reflects awe at Boult’s unexpected batting prowess, with fans dubbing him “Mr. Powerplay” for his bowling and “The Finisher” for his batting. This social media hype underscores MI New York’s growing fanbase and the excitement surrounding their playoff run.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can catch live updates on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Willow TV, with ball-by-ball commentary and video highlights available. The MLC’s official X account (@MLCricket) and team accounts like @MINYCricket provide real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content. For verified information, rely on sources like ESPNcricinfo or Sporting News India, as X posts may contain unverified claims. Tickets for Qualifier 2 are available via Vivid Seats, starting at $30, though high demand is expected for the Dallas showdown.
Conclusion
Trent Boult’s all-round brilliance in the MLC 2025 Eliminator turned a near-defeat into a historic triumph for MI New York, knocking out the San Francisco Unicorns and setting up a high-stakes Qualifier 2 clash. His 2/19 with the ball and match-winning 22* off 13 balls, capped by two game-changing sixes, showcased his ability to deliver in clutch moments. As MI New York chase their second MLC title, Boult’s heroics have ignited hope and excitement, proving that even a bowler can become a batting superstar when it matters most. Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying Qualifier 2 in the MLC 2025 playoffs.
Keywords: Trent Boult, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, MLC 2025, Eliminator, cricket highlights, Qualifier 2, Xavier Bartlett, Nicholas Pooran, Major League Cricket.
Last Updated on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:59 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:59 pm | News Categories: Sports
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