Picking a combined Washington Freedom-LA Knight Riders playing 11 for MLC 2024 ft. Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson

The 11th match of the Major League Cricket 2024 fixture will see the Washington Freedom (WSF) and the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) square off at Morrisville on Monday, July 15, 2024.

The Washington Freedom are in great form heading into this contest. With two wins from three games and a washout, they are unbeaten and at the top of the table with five points.

They beat the Seattle Orcas by five wickets in their previous game and will aim to carry their unbeaten run to consolidate their position at the top.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Knight Riders have managed to win just a single game in their MLC 2024 campaign so far. They lost a loss and a no result as well, placed fifth on the table with three points.

Their last match against the San Francisco Unicorns was abandoned without a ball being bowled. LAKR will be eager to beat the table toppers.

As the two sides are set to meet, here is a combined playing XI with players from both teams.

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Combined Washington Freedom-LA Knight Riders playing XI for MLC 2024:

Openers: Jason Roy, Unmukt Chand (WK)

In LAKR's defeat against the Seattle Orcas, Jason Roy was the bright spot for his side. Batting first, the Knight Riders put up a modest total of 168/5. Roy top-scored with a 52-ball 69 at the top.

He is known to utilize the powerplay and take on the bowling, coupled with his ability to also provide solidity at the top, making him a perfect opening choice.

His teammate Unmukt Chand would accompany him upfront. He has scored 86 runs in three innings with a high score of 68. Chand would also be the wicket-keeper of this combined side.

LAKR will hope for him to repeat his performance from the 68-run knock and contribute at the top of the order.

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Middle-order and all-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, David Miller (C), Glenn Maxwell, Lahiru Milantha, Obus Pienaar, Andre Russell

Rachin Ravindra is arguably the best fit for the number three position in this combined line-up. He has emerged as a solid prospect for New Zealand and has shown great skills in a short career so far.

Rachin scored a handy 16-ball 26 for the Washington Freedom, striking at 162.50. He is also capable of chipping in with a few overs of spin if needed, making him a luxury for any captain.

David Miller proved his worth once again in the previous game for LAKR. Despite his side losing the game, Miller put on a show, smashing a 22-ball 44. He is dangerous in the middle order, bringing in all his experience.

The South African southpaw would also be the captain of this combined team.

While Glenn Maxwell hasn't fired with the bat yet in the MLC 2024 season, he was economical with the ball, bowling a crucial spell of none for 17 from his four overs for Washington against Seattle. His all-round abilities make him another key inclusion in this side.

Lahiru Milantha and Obus Pienaar are two other vital inclusions in the middle order in this side. They played important roles in Washington's previous win. Chasing 125, Milantha (33*) and Pienaar (31*) showed maturity and took them past the line after the side had lost five wickets for just 64 runs at one point.

Andre Russell, for his muscle power, clean hitting, and ability to change the complexion of the game all by himself, walks into any T20 side. He will have to come good for the Knight Riders if they are to rise in the MLC 2024 points table.

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Bowlers: Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson, Ali Khan

Saurabh Netravalkar is having a dream run in the MLC 2024 so far. He is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with eight scalps from three games for the Washington Freedom.

He picked up three wickets in the last game as well and has been consistent with the ball, making him a no-brainer pick in this combined side.

His teammate Lockie Ferguson is the third-highest wicket-taker in MLC 2024 at the moment with five dismissals from three games.

He displayed solid form with the ball in their previous outing, bagging four wickets while giving away just 26 runs from four overs. Together, Saurabh and Ferguson make a deadly duo given their current form.

Ali Khan of the LA Knight Riders has had a decent season so far with four wickets from three matches. However, all of his four wickets came in a single game and he will be expected to deliver more consistently with the ball as the MLC 2024 season moves ahead.