Sunil Narine's spell, Fletcher & Tromp fifties lead LA Knight Riders to victory over Washington Freedom

Image credit: Major League Cricket

NEW DELHI: Veteran spinner Sunil Narine produced a brilliant spell with the ball after half-centuries from Andre Fletcher and Matthew Tromp helped Los Angeles Knight Riders beat Washington Freedom by 18 runs in the Major League Cricket (MLC) clash at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Friday. The victory earned the Knight Riders two crucial points and lifted them to third place in the standings with eight points from eight matches and a net run rate of +0.187. Washington Freedom also have eight points. They are at fifth place because of an inferior net run rate of -0.637.

Fletcher, Tromp power Knight Riders to 192

Asked to bat first after Washington Freedom won the toss, Los Angeles Knight Riders posted a competitive 192/8 in 20 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start with Colin Munro and Andre Russell departing inside the first two overs. However, Andre Fletcher and Matthew Tromp steadied the innings with a solid 110-run partnership. Fletcher top-scored with 59 off 40 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, while Tromp struck 50 off 32 deliveries with two fours and four sixes. Saif Badar then added a quickfire 24 off 12 balls before Jahmar Hamilton remained unbeaten on 22 from 12 balls to give the innings a strong finish. For Washington Freedom, Saurabh Netravalkar picked up three wickets, while Ben Dwarshuis and Mitchell Owen claimed two each.

Narine's economical spell

Chasing Los Angeles Knight Riders' 192/8, Washington Freedom never recovered after Narine's superb spell in the Powerplay. The veteran spinner finished with figures of 1/14 in four overs at an outstanding economy rate of just 3.50. He removed dangerous opener Mitchell Owen and kept the scoring under control, putting pressure on the batters. Andre Russell then struck at key moments, dismissing Steve Smith (8), Rachin Ravindra (4) and Jack Edwards (0) to finish with 3/34. Ali Khan also impressed with 2/18, while Shadley van Schalkwyk took two wickets. Lahiru Milantha fought hard with 40, while Andries Gous made 37. Ben Dwarshuis chipped in with a rapid 19, but Washington Freedom finished on 174/8.

Narine named Player of the Match

After receiving the Player of the Match award, Narine explained the change in his bowling role. "(On his new role of bowling in the powerplay). I think it just happened. I think we needed to keep the powerplay a little tighter, and I think we all came together and came up with a game plan. Happily it worked, and hopefully it can continue. "(Your mentality when bowling to guys that you know are coming after you, Mitch Owen for example tonight?) No, I think when you focus on opponents, you're under pressure. I think you focus on what you can do, focus on the ability you have, and try to execute what you have been practicing. So I think whatever you practice, you try to execute as well as possible." Los Angeles Knight Riders will now take on San Francisco Unicorns on Saturday at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.