MLC 2025: The action continues in Major League Cricket 2025 as the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) gear up to take on the red-hot Washington Freedom (WF) in Match No. 17 at the iconic Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. Scheduled for Friday, June 27 at 5:30 AM IST, this match carries significant weight as the league stage inches toward its conclusion and the playoff spots are still up for grabs.

LAKR Look to Bounce Back After Tough Loss

MLC 2025: Currently placed fifth on the points table, the Los Angeles Knight Riders are in desperate need of a win to stay in contention for the knockouts. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, LAKR failed to chase down a mammoth 197-run target in their last outing against the Texas Super Kings.

While Andre Russell showed glimpses of his destructive self with a fiery three-wicket haul, the rest of the team struggled to make meaningful contributions, especially with the bat. The Knight Riders need more than just individual brilliance — they need a collective performance to secure victory in this do-or-die fixture.

One player to keep an eye on is Unmukt Chand, who is expected to play a vital role at the top of the order. His experience and ability to build an innings under pressure could be a game-changer for LAKR.

Washington Freedom on a Dream Run

MLC 2025: In stark contrast, Washington Freedom are flying high. Sitting third in the standings, the team is on a four-match winning streak and shows no signs of slowing down. Their most recent triumph was a stunning seven-wicket win over the Texas Super Kings, where they successfully chased a daunting 221-run target.

At the heart of this successful campaign is Mitchell Owen, who delivered a spectacular knock of 89 runs off 52 balls in the last match. A genuine all-rounder, Owen is not only leading the team’s batting charge but also tops the wicket-taking charts for Washington Freedom.

Adding more firepower is captain Glenn Maxwell, who is in red-hot form. Known for his explosive batting and clever off-spin, Maxwell’s presence brings balance and aggression to the team. His leadership and performance will once again be crucial in this high-pressure game.

MLC 2025: Match Details

Match: Los Angeles Knight Riders vs Washington Freedom (Match 17)

Date & Time: Friday, June 27, 2025 | 5:30 AM IST

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas

Live Telecast: JioHotstar

Live Streaming: Fan Code

MLC 2025: Captain & Vice-Captain Picks (Fantasy Cricket)

Captain Options:

Jason Holder – Offers depth in both departments

Glenn Maxwell – Red-hot form with the bat and ball

Vice-Captain Options:

Andre Russell – A game-changer in any format

Steve Smith – Reliable and experienced

MLC 2025: Key Players to Watch

Top Batters

Alex Hales – A clean striker who can take the game away in the powerplay

Steve Smith – Anchoring the innings with classic strokeplay

Andries Gous – Consistent and aggressive behind the stumps

Top All-Rounders

Andre Russell – Power-packed batting and sharp bowling

Sunil Narine – Mystery spin and explosive hitting

Glenn Maxwell – A true match-winner in every sense

Top Bowlers

Anrich Nortje – Express pace and yorker accuracy

Lockie Ferguson – Unplayable on his day with pace variations

Saurabh Netravalkar – Reliable with the new ball

Possible Playing XI – Team I (Fantasy Focus)

Wicketkeepers: Aditya Ganesh, Andries Gous

Batters: Alex Hales, Steve Smith (C), Rovman Powell

All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell (VC), Sunil Narine

Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar

Possible Playing XI – Team II

Wicketkeeper: Unmukt Chand

Batters: Steve Smith, Sherfane Rutherford, Muqtar Ahmed

All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell (C), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine (VC)

Bowlers: Ali Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Jason Behrendorff

Final Thoughts

MLC 2025: This LAKR vs WF showdown is shaping up to be a blockbuster. For LAKR, it’s all about survival and revival. For Washington Freedom, it’s about momentum and pushing closer to sealing a playoff berth. With superstar players on both sides, fans can expect fireworks at Grand Prairie.

Will LAKR fight back and keep their hopes alive, or will Washington Freedom’s winning streak continue?
Grab your popcorn, tune in early, and don’t miss this cracking contest!