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The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 is underway with seven games completed so far. MI New York are the defending champions, while Seattle Orcas finished runner-up last season.
Come MLC 2024, Seattle once again faced a defeat against MI new Yorks in the opening game of the tournament. They were bowled out for a paltry total of 108 batting first and lost the match by six wickets.
However, they bounced back with a handsome win in their last game to register their first win of the season. Facing the Los Angeles Knight Riders, they chased down a 169-run target with nine wickets to spare.
Washington Freedom did not have a fruitful run in MLC 2023. However, they made a confident start this season, beating the defending champions by four runs (DLS Method) in their first fixture.
Their second game against the Texas Super Kings was unfortunately washed out. Coming off wins, both teams will be confident to build on the momentum as they are set to clash against each other.
On that note, here is a combined playing XI with players from both teams ahead of their face-off.
Combined Seattle Orcas-Washington Freedom playing XI for MLC 2024:
Openers: Ryan Rickelton, Travis Head
Ryan Rickelton played a massive role in guiding Seattle Orcas to their first win of the MLC 2024 season.
He opened the batting against the LA Knight Riders with a target of 169 to chase for a win. Rickelton ensured that the Knight Riders had no chance whatsoever to defend their total, smashing an unbeaten 103 off just 66 deliveries, striking at 156.06.
Seattle will expect him to carry his brilliant form into this game as well. He is thus a solid choice at the top.
Accompanying him would be Travis Head. The left-hander has been in phenomenal touch right through the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
Washington Freedom batted only four overs before it was washed out in their previous game. However, Head was at his best, remaining unbeaten on 32 off just 12 balls.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Imad Wasim, Glenn Maxwell, Harmeet Singh, Heinrich Klaasen (C&WK)
Aaron Jones displayed glimpses of his potential at the 2024 T20 World Cup for the USA. With the Seattle Orcas, he has not started the season well. However, he will look to turn things around, bringing his experience of having played in other T20 leagues as well.
Andries Gous brings much-needed stability to the middle order after an explosive opening pair at the top. Gous is a key member of Washington Freedom's line-up. He has scored 1460 runs from 60 T20s with an unbeaten century to his name as well.
Imad Wasim, with his economical bowling and ability to score quick runs at the backend, is another fine choice in this line-up. He bowled a crucial spell of 0/28 from his four overs in the last match, helping Seattle restrict the LA Knight Riders. He is yet to contribute with the bat this season.
Similarly, Glenn Maxwell brings exceptional all-round abilities to the table. He can turn the game on his head with his batting. Maxwell hasn't fired off late and will be keen to come good with the bat in the MLC. His ability to chip in with a few vital overs can also come in handy.
Harmeet Singh was impressive with the ball for Seattle in the last game, picking up a couple of wickets. He also played a 14-ball 20-run knock in their first match. Therefore, he would further solidify the balance of the side, contributing in both aspects.
Heinrich Klaasen would lead the side and handle the wicket-keeping duties as well. His form throughout IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup has been impressive, coupled with his skill of playing both fast bowlers and spinners equally well. He is also an ideal option to lead the side.
Bowlers: Cameron Gannon, Saurabh Netravalkar, Marco Jansen
Cameron Gannon has bagged three wickets in two games thus far. He had a big hand in Seattle Orcas making the MLC 2023 final. Gannon is a genuine wicket-taking bowler.
Saurabh Netravalkar is the second highest-wicket-taker of MLC 2024 to date. He has picked up five wickets from two games and has been consistent for Washington Fire.
Netravalkar impressed with his bowling in the T20 World Cup as well, troubling batters from big teams like India and Pakistan. His ability to swing the ball and bowl at an accurate line and length makes him dangerous.
The tall and lanky pacer Marco Jansen is a key addition to the Washington Fire. His left-arm pace brings variety to the attack, along with his skill to extract natural bounce and movement. Moreover, Jansen is also a handy lower order batter.
