The MLC 2024 is all set to be underway from tomorrow, and the two finalists of the inaugural season, the MI New York and Seattle Orcas, will play the opening match of the second season. The Major League Cricket is one of the major cricket tournaments started in the United States.
The first match will be played on the 6th of July at Church Street Park in Morrisville. The defending champions will be looking to defend their title against the runner-up Orcas, who might also be eyeing to avenge their loss in the finals of MLC 2023.
Before the initiation of the first match, let’s take a good look at the top 5 inclusions from among players of either side who can be predicted to be the most essential players to change the course of the game.
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Top 5 players to feature in MINY vs. SEO clash
Quinton De Kock
The veteran South African batter’s international career is now at a standstill, as no one knows if he will be seen further in the Protea shirt. QDK played a great hand in South Africa’s success in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
The opening batsman and the highest scorer for the Seattle Orcas in the opening season will be leading the Seattle Orcas batting with his commanding form and immense experience. De Kock has had a great experience playing across several global leagues from around the world.
Nicholas Pooran
The West Indian pocket dynamite has been a great inclusion among cricket franchises around several global leagues. After concluding a brilliant season with the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024, he tried with all his might to provide his national side stability in the middle order.
Pooran’s antics will be expected in this season as well, as MINY will hope for his competence to lead them to their title defence. Pooran’s unforgettable innings in the MLC 2023 final will remain to be written in golden words in the history of the tournament, as he single-handedly guided MI New York to a win in the inaugural season.
Trent Boult
The legendary Kiwi pacer has been an asset to all franchise teams; he has represented several teams across global tournaments. Boult, who has recently concluded his international career, has had a wonderful season with the Royals and showed dominance in the few games New Zealand played in the T20 World Cup.
Boult under the pace-favoring pitches of America will be an asset for the side. He will be once again given the role of a bowler with the new ball, as he often has this ability to strike with the new ball.
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Rashid Khan
The Afghan skipper led by example, as he guided Afghanistan to their first-ever semi-final in a major ICC tournament. The skipper led from the front with 14 wickets in 8 games for his national side, though they crashed out of the semis against South Africa.
The spinner, aged 25, has been a star in the cricketing world as he has picked over 588 wickets in T20 leagues around the world. With expecting similar contributions from the Afghan skipper, the MI New York will look to place him as their first-choice all-rounder, with his slight expertise with the bat as well.
Anrich Nortje
Nortje has been a real star in Protea’s success at the T20 World Cup in the United States. The star pacer bowled to the conditions, which are not to change much in the States when MI New York takes on Seattle Orcas.
Nortje will feature alongside countrymate Rabada, and T20 veterans like Boult, and all-rounders Rashid and Shepherd. Playing alongside these greats of the game will add to his form, and his prolific form will only be enhanced in the MLC 2024 at the star-studded MI New York dugout.
