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The second edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) got underway on July 6, and we have seen some good cricket in the first two days of the competition. The scoring pattern remains pretty similar to the recently concluded T20 World Cup, and we can expect much of the same as the tournament progresses.
Defending MLC champions MI New York started their campaign with a resounding victory against the Seattle Orcas and showed why they are by far the most well-oiled unit in the competition. Most of the teams have a good mix of local and international players, so it will be a tough battle for the top-four spots.
As the tournament reaches its third day, it's time for the Los Angeles Knight Riders, who won their opening game against the Texas Super Kings, to square off in their second game against the San Francisco Unicorns.
It will be their first match. On paper, they might well be the weakest side, but a game of cricket is certainly not played on paper. With about 12 hours to go for the clash, we have picked a combined XI comprising players from both teams:
# Openers: Sunil Narine and Jake Fraser-McGurk
Sunil Narine, the captain of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, had a breakthrough season with the bat in IPL 2024 and should continue opening in this edition of MLC.
He couldn't quite make a mark in the opening game but bowled brilliantly, conceding just 23 runs besides picking a crucial wicket. Narine will walk into most T20 sides for the balance he brings to the table.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, meanwhile, is certainly a value addition for the San Francisco Unicorns. An out and out power hitter, he certainly fits into the mold of a modern T20 batter.
He announced his arrival in the IPL with some blistering knocks for the Delhi Capitals and ended the tournament with the highest strike rate.
Middle order and all-rounders: Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, David Miller, Andre Russell, Corey Anderson
The former Indian U-19 captain has been a prominent face in the USA cricketing circle in the last few years, having settled there for a while now.
Chand started the tournament with a brilliant knock of 65, which included some top quality shots. The LA Knight Riders will hope that the fluent stroke maker continues taking giant strides in the tournament.
Nitish Kumar, another clean striker of the ball, made his presence felt during the recently concluded T20 World Cup. He looked at ease against some high quality bowlers, and his ability to hit effortless sixes makes him an integral member of the LA Knight Riders squad.
Coming from a heartbreak in the T20 World Cup final, David Miller is soon back in action and will look to ensure that his side have a good tournament.
He looked a bit out of sorts in the first game against the Texas Super Kings, but given his credentials and ability to turn the game within a blink of an eye, Miller will walk into most T20 sides.
One of the greatest players in this format, Andre Russell will look to make the LA Knight Riders one of the prime contenders to win the tournament.
He played a pivotal role in KKR’s victorious IPL campaign this year. He had a good T20 World Cup with both bat and ball and will look to continue his exploits in the MLC.
Meanwhile, former New Zealand international Corey Anderson once held the record for the fastest ODI century - in 36 balls against West Indies. A lot of years have gone by, and Anderson is now a USA international player trying to take the nation to the next level.
He didn't have a great time during the World Cup but he lends some much-needed balance to the squad.
# Bowlers: Liam Plunkett, Pat Cummins, Ali Khan, Adam Zampa
An unsung hero for the England World Cup-winning team in 2019, Liam Plunkett is also a local player, having shifted bases to USA in 2021.
He's a nippy fast bowler who silently goes about his business. He has several slower deliveries up his sleeve and can also contribute with the bat as well.
Meanwhile, the 2023 World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins is another important player for the San Francisco Unicorns.
He led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final of the IPL, and his style of captaincy has been praised by many. However, he won't be leading the side, as Corey Anderson will be in charge. A fast bowler with several options, Cummins is an asset for any white-ball side.
Ali Khan has been in the USA cricketing circles for a while and made his presence felt during the opening MLC game against the Texas Super Kings. He bagged four wickets and bowled some important overs as the Knight Riders defended their score of 162. He will look to continue his wicket-taking exploits against the San Francisco Unicorns next.
Last but not the least, one of the best white-ball spinners in the game, Adam Zampa should walk into the LA playing XI after not playing the first game. An attacking wicket-taking wrist-spinner, Zampa has been the go-to bowler for Australia in both white-ball format and will will look to shine in a different challenge.
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