Ignored in IPL 2025 Final, PBKS batter causes mayhem to beat Super Kings in MLC 2025

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Washington Freedom produced the highest successful run chase in Major League Cricket history as they stunned Texas Super Kings by seven wickets at the Grand Prairie Stadium on Sunday (June 22).

In a high-octane encounter, the Freedom gunned down a steep 221-run target with two balls to spare, riding on a ruthless batting display that had Mitchell Owen at the heart of it.

Texas, having opted to bat first, seemed in complete control for much of their innings. The top order fired fluently, with the likes of Devon Conway and Milind Kumar setting a strong foundation. Conway's strokeplay and Milind's ability to find gaps kept the scoreboard ticking. The finishing touches came from the bat of Daniel Sams, whose cameo pushed the total beyond 220, setting what appeared to be a match-winning target.

However, what followed was a masterclass in aggressive, calculated chasing. Washington Freedom came out with intent, losing an early wicket but refusing to fall behind the asking rate. Opener Andries Gous anchored one end, but it was the explosive innings from Mitchell Owen that shifted the game decisively in their favour.

Mitchell Owen stars with bat and ball in statement performance

Mitchell Owen delivered the most defining performance of his fledgling MLC career, setting the tone both with the ball and the bat. First, he made a crucial breakthrough in the first innings by removing Smit Patel at a time when Texas were beginning to accelerate. His four overs were tidy, conceding just 29 runs in a high-scoring game and providing his captain a valuable sixth bowling option that helped balance the attack.

But it was with the bat that Owen truly stamped his authority. Walking in with the match hanging in the balance, he launched a brutal assault that silenced the home crowd and dismantled the TSK bowling plan. The Aussie scored 89 runs off 52 deliveries, hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes. The 23-year-old's performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Owen was part of the Punjab Kings squad in IPL 2025. He was roped in by PBKS during the tournament after an excellent BBL outing. But Owen could only get one opportunity, as after a duck against Rajasthan Royals, he didn't get any further opportunity for PBKS. The batter was left out of the IPL 2025 final as the Kings lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.