<p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Cricket">Major League Cricket</a>, MLC 2024 is knocking at the doorstep, as the second edition of the tournament begins on Saturday. With its inaugural season played in 2023, the MI New York were the standout performers in the league and went on to be the champions under skipper Nick Pooran, who played a stunning hand in their title victory. <br> <br>With some very crucial signings, especially with the drafting of several Australian maestros ahead of the 2nd edition, the MLC will be a contest worth witnessing. <br> <br>With a new set of players, along with the retained players from the first season, let?s take a look at the Top 5 batters who stand a chance to score the highest runs ahead of MLC 2024.</p>



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#top-5-batters-who-stand-a-chance-to-score-the-highest-runs-ahead-of-mlc-2024">Top 5 batters who stand a chance to score the highest runs ahead of MLC 2024</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#marcus-stoinis">Marcus Stoinis</a></li><li class=""><a href="#quinton-de-kock">Quinton de Kock</a></li><li class=""><a href="#j-fraser-mc-gurk">J.Fraser-McGurk</a></li><li class=""><a href="#nicholas-pooran">Nicholas Pooran</a></li><li class=""><a href="#travis-head">Travis Head</a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="top-5-batters-who-stand-a-chance-to-score-the-highest-runs-ahead-of-mlc-2024">Top 5 batters who stand a chance to score the highest runs ahead of MLC 2024</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="marcus-stoinis">Marcus Stoinis</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Marcus-Stoinis.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142366" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stoinis roped in by Texas Super Kings for MLC 2024 (image: CricTracker)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Texas Super Kings have drafted the big Australian for their 2024 MLC campaign. The last time semifinalists had already had quite some spectacular performers in their team sheets, while Stoinis will be an in-form inclusion to the side. <br> <br>The big Australian was a commanding performer in the Indian Premier League and also performed overwhelmingly for his national side in the T20 World Cup. Stoinis, who has evolved to be a middle-order batter, letting go of his role as a finisher has helped sides retain him, and his evolving bowling skills are a cherry on top.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="quinton-de-kock">Quinton de Kock</h3>



<p>The South African veteran, who announced his retirement from the Tests and ODIs, has been a constant surprise in the shortest format of the game. He has been a part of every global T20 league since he stopped featuring for the Proteas. <br> <br>Playing for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Orcas">Seattle Orcas</a>, QDK scored 264 runs, averaging a brilliant 44 in the 7 games of the tournament. He is one of the most worthy retentions of the MLC 2024, and his contributions are supposed to be of great value to his team. In short, the veteran can once again be found among the top scorers of the league.  </p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="j-fraser-mc-gurk">J.Fraser-McGurk</h3>



<p>The hard-hitting youngster from Australia is now gaining the status of a world-class T20 batter due to his fearless stride and fast run-scoring in the powerplay, for which he has often received praise and recognition from players around the world. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Fraser-McGurk.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142364" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IPL done, MLC next on the cards for young McGurk (Image: Cricket Australia)</figcaption></figure>
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<p><br> <br>Featuring for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024, McGurk was one of the very reasons the Capitals bounced back in the later stages of the competition. Though he was not the most consistent performer, he added fire to the innings whenever he got going in the powerplay. <br>Such will be his role, as the 21-year-old is about to make his debut in yet another league featuring players of global standard. Picked by the San Francisco Unicorns, McGruk will be most probably seen alongside Finn Allen, and together they can be the most explosive opening pair of MLC 2024. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="nicholas-pooran">Nicholas Pooran</h3>



<p>The West Indies wk-bat has been a constant performer over the recent few years, in whichever league he has played in. From playing in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants to making vital contributions to his team?s score in the T20 World Cup, Pooran is one of the most reliable batters to keep your cards on. <br> <br>The small-packet dynamite is often seen hitting massive sixes; it was his blistering knock of 137 runs on just 55 balls that included 13 sixes, which took MI New York over the line, and they went on to be the champions of the debut season. Not only MI New York but the entire cricket world would hope to witness such brilliance from the Windies batter.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="travis-head">Travis Head</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Travis-Head-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142363" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Head all set to feature for Washington Freedom (Image: Times of India)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Washington Freedom have reformed their squad with several inclusions, especially from Australia and New Zealand. They named Steven Smith the captain, alongside drafting players like Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachin_Ravindra">Rachin Ravindra</a>, and Lockie Ferguson. <br> <br>Head has been the proclaimed best batter in the world since his heroics in the World Cup final for Australia last year. Head?s century earned immense recognition for him, and he went on to feature for IPL runner-up Sunrisers Hyderabad and was their highest scorer, scoring above 550 runs. <br> <br>His inclusion in the MLC can only add a great batting scope to the Freedom squad as well as the Major League Cricket. He can be the first choice to be the most probable highest run-getter in this edition of the MLC.<br></p>

Top 5 batters who can be the highest run-getters in MLC 2024

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<p>The Major League Cricket, or MLC, is one of America's biggest tournaments of the sport. Inaugurated in 2023, the first season saw 6 teams in the competition who will also participate in the 2nd edition of the league in 2024. <br> <br>The inaugural season saw many twists on their route to the finals, as the group stages featured 6 teams, of which the MI New York were ranked fourth behind the Seattle Orcas, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Freedom_(cricket)">Washington Fire</a>, and Texas Super Kings, all of which advanced into the knockouts in the first season. <br> <br>However, then began MI New York?s one-sided domination of the MLC knockouts, as they won on 3 occasions till the finals, where Pooran dominated against the Seattle Orcas side, who were unbeaten till the finals but had to bow down their heads in front of Pooran?s heroic antics. <br> <br>With several changes in the squads of different teams of the Major League Cricket, let?s have a good look at who can be the probable contenders for the cup. </p>



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#top-contenders-for-the-mlc-2024-trophy">Top Contenders for the MLC 2024 Trophy</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#mi-new-york">MI New York</a></li><li class=""><a href="#seattle-orcas">Seattle Orcas</a></li><li class=""><a href="#san-francisco-unicorns">San Francisco Unicorns </a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="top-contenders-for-the-mlc-2024-trophy">Top Contenders for the MLC 2024 Trophy</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="mi-new-york">MI New York</h3>



<p>With not many changes to their squad from their last year?s campaign, the defending champions can be one of the favorites to retain their grip over the trophy. Under Kieron Pollard?s leadership, once again, MI New York will be seen as the prime contender for the cup. <br> <br>A stunning bunch of batters, including Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, the USA skipper Monank Patel, and skipper Pollard. However, the power-packed side lays its heart in the all-rounders, who are world-class talents featuring in all global leagues of the world. With the likes of Romario Shepherd and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashid_Khan">Rashid Khan</a>, MI New York will have the best probable bowling lineup of the tournament that comprises Rabada, Boult, and Nortje?s brilliance and experience. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/MLC-2023-MI-New-York-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142426" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MI New York the champions of the debut season (Image: ESPNcricinfo)</figcaption></figure>
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<p><br> <br>With the Afghan skipper having led his national side to their first-ever semi-final just weeks ago, the beginning of the MLC, he will be their most dependable option to look at in their quest for defending the title. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="seattle-orcas">Seattle Orcas</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Seattle-Orcas-1024x534.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142427" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The runners-up will be looking forward to win the title this time (Image: Cricket Times)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The runners-up from the last season of the MLC will look to fancy their chances at the title this time around. The runners-up too did not make many changes to the squad, as the team would still rely on South African batters Quinton de Kock and Henrich Klaasen. <br> <br>The two veteran batters are informed without any doubt, while Aaron Jones will be an equally convincing addition alongside all-rounders Imad Wasim and Bracewell, who are all set to feature for the first time in the MLC. <br>With the likes of Burger and McCoy in the Seattle lineup led by the experience of Wayne Parnell, the Seattle Orcas might look to have another terrific run in the tournament just like the edition of MLC 2023. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="san-francisco-unicorns">San Francisco Unicorns </h3>



<p>The Unicorns did not have the best of starts to their MLC legacy, as they failed to advance into the knockouts of the MLC 2024. However, with several additions to the squad, they are a new unit and may look forward to turning their fortunes in the Cup. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Cummins-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142428" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Unicorns robe in Cummins for the MLC 2024 (Image: Sportstar - The Hindu)</figcaption></figure>
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<p><br> <br>Despite the inclusion of Australian ODI and test captain Pat Cummins, Corey Anderson has been picked to serve the role of a skipper for the San Francisco Unicorns. A very worthy and power-packed batting unit that is all set to fire with the in-form Allen, Fraser McGurk, and Rutherford. All three will be seen giving their bests alongside Short and Inglis, who are also about to make their debut in the competition. <br> <br>Cummins will lead their bowling unit alongside Haris Rauf and Matt Henry, and owing to the pitches of the United States, these bowlers who produce immense variations can be an asset in the Cup for the side. They led by Anderson and guided by Cummins will look to go beyond teams like the Washington Freedom and the Texas Super Kings, who, despite having a great bunch of players, might not have the quality to advance into the knockouts of the game.</p>



<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-5-international-stars-who-retired-from-international-t20s-post-world-cup-2024/">Top 5 international stars who retired from international T20s post-World Cup 2024</a></p>

Top 3 contenders for the MLC 2024 trophy

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<p>The MLC 2024 is underway, and MI New York initiated their campaign with a comfortable victory over the Seattle Orcas in the tournament's opening game. However, in their second match against a reformed Washington Freedom side, they faced a major backlash earlier in the tournament. <br> <br>Ex-Australian captain <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Smith_(cricketer)">Steven Smith</a> has been signed in as the new skipper for Washington Freedom for MLC 2024. After a T20 World Cup squad snub, the veteran batter would be looking to prove his worth in the format. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Veterans-Antics-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142642" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spectacular Smith commands in rain-affected chase (Image: myKhel)</figcaption></figure>
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<p><br> <br>Washington Freedom won the toss and put the defending champions to bat on a sloppy track. The MINY side started on a weak note as their top-order tumbled with only Nicholas Pooran building a slight partnership alongside opener Clinton, who fell to Maxwell in the 8th over while looking to play an unconventional short. <br> <br>Nicholas Pooran was the pick of the batters for MI New York, scoring 44 runs. While big-hitters Tim David and Kieron Pollard failed to produce anything, it took a 15-ball, 31-run knock from Afghan skipper Rashid Khan that took the defending champions to a fighting total of 154. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/Khan-stars-with-the-Bat-this-time-for-MI-New-York-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142641" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Khan stars with the Bat this time for MI New York (Image: Cricbuzz.com)</figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-5-bowlers-who-can-be-the-highest-wicket-taker-of-mlc-2024/">Top 5 bowlers who can be the highest wicket-taker of MLC 2024</a><br> <br>In reply to this, the Australian duo of skipper Steve Smith and, in form, Travis Head stepped in on the field for the Washington Freedom. The start was not convincing as Head fell to Ehsan Adil in the second over. Smith, alongside American World Cup star Gous, didn?t seem to get going until Nortje came to bowl in the powerplay. The Australian veteran took South Africa?s leading wicket-taker in the World Cup for 22 runs, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes of him.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/WAF-MLC-2024-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142640" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Smith and Gous guide WAF scoreboard to 4 runs over DLS par score (Image: Times of India)</figcaption></figure>
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<p><br>That is what got the Freedom scoreboard going, and Gous hit 2 consecutive boundaries of Rashid Khan to take Freedom to 55/1 in the 8th over when rain forced the players to head out of the ground. Lightning and thunder alongside dense showers denied further play, as the Washington Freedom had the final laugh as they secured a win over the defending champions with a 4-run advantage over the DLS par score. This is their first victory of the season under new skipper Steven Smith.<br></p>

MLC 2024: Smith leads by example in Washington Freedom?s rain-hit victory over defending champions

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<p>After winning the first two matches, Team India came down to the floor as England hammered the hosts by 26 runs in the third game in Rajkot to keep their hopes alive in the ongoing five-match T20I series. India are still leading with a 2-1 margin, with two more games to play.</p>
<p>The fourth match will be played at MCA Stadium in Pune on January 31. If India win that game, they will also win the series as well. But it won't be easy, as England came with proper plans against Indian batters and executed them perfectly. So what should India do to win the fourth match? Here we will talk about three changes that India can make for the fourth T20I.</p>
<h2>IND vs ENG: 3 Changes India should make to win the fourth T20I against England in Pune</h2>
<p><strong>1. Bring in Specialist batter</strong></p>
<p>India have made sure that they are going with depth in the batting in all three games, which is why they have picked up 3-4 all-rounders in the team. Because of limited overs, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, or Abhishek Sharma have not been able to bowl their full quota of four overs.</p>
<p>Axar and Sundar are even batting way down the order, which is not coming in use for India. That is where, India should bring in a specialist batter, or they can pick Shivam Dube in place of Sundar. He can play useful cameos for the team.</p>
<p><strong>2. Bring in Arshdeep Singh</strong></p>
<p>As seen in the last two games, Indian spinners have taken wickets in the middle order, but it is the lower order, or tailenders, who are scoring crucial runs for England, which have made a big impact. Though Hardik is doing a great job of containing the batters, India need wickets.</p>
<p>That is where India made the wrong decision of dropping Arshdeep Singh in the third game. He gives early wickets and also takes wickets in death overs. So, India can drop one extra spinner and bring in Arshdeep Singh for the fourth game.</p>
<p><strong>3. Change in the batting order</strong></p>
<p>Having a lot of batting options can also become a headache sometimes. That is what it looks like that India are having at the moment. No doubt, England seamers are bowling well, according to the plans. But India can try out some out-of-the-box things to force England to change their plans.</p>
<p>India can send someone as pinch-hitters as India used Dube and Axar a few times in the T20 World Cup 2024. Samson and Suryakumar are not scoring runs, and India can look to do changes in the batting order.</p>
<p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-wins-sir-garfield-sobers-award-2024-here-s-the-complete-list-of-indians-to-win-this-prestigious-award/">Jasprit Bumrah wins Sir Garfield Sobers Award 2024: Here's the complete list of Indians to win this prestigious Award</a></p>

The fourth IND vs ENG T20I will be played at MCA Stadium in Pune on January 31.

The fourth T20I between India and England will take place at MCA Stadium in Pune on January 31.

3 Changes India should make to win the fourth IND vs ENG T20I against England in Pune

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India National Cricket Team also were magnificent in the field as likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and others gave their best.

Watch: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma give mouthful to Kuldeep Yadav for his fielding blunder during ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final

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Pakistan cricket squad: Pakistan's ODI and T20I teams for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand have been revealed. Following the Champions Trophy fiasco, the teams have undergone significant alteration. Shadab Khan has returned, while Mohammad Rizwan is no longer the T20I captain.

PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam dropped, Salman Ali Agha the captain as PCB unveil Pakistan's squad for the New Zealand series

pak-vs-nz-babar-azam-dropped-salman-ali-agha-the-captain-as-pcb-unveil-pakistan-s-squad-for-the-new-zealand-series

With the India vs Australia semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested India's ways to stop Travis Head.

Rohit Sharma given strict orders on how to stop Travis Head in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to make a massive announcement related to the T20I captaincy of the team.

PCB finalises Mohammad Rizwan's replacement in T20Is, this player all set to become captain

pcb-finalises-mohammad-rizwan-s-replacement-in-t20is-this-player-all-set-to-become-captain-

With the two power-packed teams up against each other in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fans couldn't have asked for a more thrilling affair. Here are the Dream11 predictions for the IND vs AUS Match at Dubai International Stadium.    

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