Seattle vs New York, Final at Dallas, MLC, Jul 30 2023 - Match Result

11:35pm Right. That brings us to the end of our coverage, both for tonight and for this edition of the MLC. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Until next time, this is me (Shashwat) signing off on behalf of Binoy George, all our commentators and everyone at ESPNcricinfo. Goodbye and take care!

11:31pm Sunil Gavaskar presents the inaugural MLC trophy to Pooran and the MI New York players break into their celebrations. They deserve every bit of it. A week ago, they were not sure if they were going to be in the playoffs. They then had to win three successive games to win the title and they have done so with some conviction.

Nicholas Pooran, the MI New York captain is also the Player of the Match: (Thoughts on the tournament) We spoke today about having an opportunity to do something special. Losing our captain, losing a couple of players along the way - our players stuck together. I am very proud of everything every individual did, everyone contributed in some way. (On the score) It was definitely game on (at the half-way stage) but we knew we had a good batting wicket. We gave away 20 more runs. We were prepared for this (based on how the last week has gone). We had to be confident, back our skills and we got over the line. (How he did what he did out in the middle) I have to give credit to Taylor for getting out so early (smiles). Told myself that I just needed to bat like Nicky P and not think about batting like the captain. I just backed my skills. The platform was there today and the opportunity was there. I had to be brave and it worked for me. Happy that I could see it through to the end - that is what I have been working on for the past 5-6 years. Just want to thank the fans and the support, it has been amazing.

Trent Boult takes home the award for being the leading wicket-taker, with Nicholas Pooran ending up as the leading run-scorer and the MVP of the inaugural edition of the MLC!

Cameron Gannon is the domestic player of the tournament: (How happy is he to get the award) Pleasing to get some acknowledgement. Tonight is about MI New York. They played unbelievably, Nicky P in particular - have not seen anything like that in my life. (On the MLC and what it means) It has been a wonderful tournament. The quality has been exceptional. Having overseas players, and playing this tournament has been so much fun. I think it is going to be fantastic for USA cricket moving forward. (On what his plans are moving forward) I am looking forward to coming back (in the MLC) if I can. I think I would like to play in a World Cup, that would be pretty nice. I am 34 now, not looking too far into the future.

Wayne Parnell, Seattle Orcas captain: (His thoughts) As a professional, losing hurts every time. Whenever someone plays like that, you have to give them credit. Last time we played them, we had Klaasen play that sort of innings. Credit to Nicky and his team. It (toss) was a little bit of a factor. First 10-12 overs, it was a little bit slower. When the lights took over, it got quicker. It did not look like he (Pooran) would mishit a ball today. It was a decent total but have to give them credit today. (Message to the fans) First season has gone really well. Credit to everyone who has organized it. Credit to our owners and the management for picking this team and giving us the freedom to play this brand of cricket.

Kieron Pollard, who has Dwayne Bravo on the phone: (On how special the win is) Very, very special. Kudos must go to the guys on the field. They took the team from the Eliminator to the total, very produ of the guys. (On Pooran knock) Very, very special. All the people that were here and were watching on TV, we get to witness something special. (On what the franchise intends to do moving forward) We are not going to sit on our laurels and we will continue to raise the bar.

Tim David: (How special this is) Championships are hard to win. Lost a couple of finals but got over the line this time. Very special innings from Nicky P (Pooran), awesome. I had the first-class seat in the house and it was just magical. It was a slow start but in the end, we really gelled. Everyone contributed at some point. It takes a whole squad to win the tournament and we did it.

Shayan Jahangir: Loved it. The support we have been getting from the franchise, the owners and the support staff has been commendable. The backing got us this trophy. Lot of exposure. The amount of talent we have in the world, we can match any country in the world. The exposure is going to take us places and put USA cricket on the map.

Trent Boult: (His secret) There is no secret. When it comes to finals, it is about enjoying it. What a way to finish the tournament - to see some fireworks from Pooran, it was special. I am sure I will see my kids in a second and I will enjoy that.

Nosthush Kenjige: (On how much he enjoyed out) Could not have asked for more. Some of the shots Pooran played, I don't think I have ever seen anything like it. Been incredible to share the dressing room with countless people I have grown up watching.

Kagiso Rabada: It is great to win in the inaugural year. Very stoked. Unbelievable game. Good to see Nicky P play the way he is. (On Pooran) There was no way to get him out tonight. That was close to the innings of his life. He was also facing good bowlers too and did it in a pressure situation. Unbelievable to witness.

Rashid Khan: (On this franchise) I had just three hours to come here and get ready (for my first game). We have started with a trophy here and we will try to keep that going. Special win, this was the first edition, and this was my first trophy with the MI family.

David Wiese: Amazing effort from everyone to put this tournament together. Been a fantastic experience for everybody. Being the first team to win it, it is special. It has been amazing. Cannot remember a game that was not a sellout. Our supporters have been amazing. (On the party plans) I am a little old now to go too hard but I am sure we will enjoy everyone's company.

Dewald Brevis: Everything works out as it should. Great to be a part of the MLC. We are grateful it worked out. Just ready to celebrate now (smiles). (On being around the experienced players) It is a great learning curve, you just keep learning. That is how you keep developing.

10:52pm Phew. What a run-chase that was. Pooran ended up with 388 runs in the tournament, with 137 of those coming off just 55 balls tonight. At the half-way stage, the Orcas seemed a touch ahead, especially after how they finished their innings. Taylor departed in the first over too, strengthening the Orcas' grip on the game.

Thereafter, though, it was the Pooran show. He cleared the fence 13 times and hit 10 more fours, putting any and every bowler to the sword. He found support at different junctures but tonight was all about one man, and it was the MINY skipper.

As for the Orcas, they will be a little disappointed with their execution. But when Pooran is in such form, there is not a lot you can do. All of their bowlers were dismantled and on the big occasion, they just could not turn up to stop the Pooran juggernaut.

MINY just one hit away from lifting the MLC. Guess who's on strike...

Just nine needed now off 30 balls. Can MINY ice this run-chase this over?

Around the wicket now

Rahul Vats : "Nicholas Pooran. Nicholas Pooran. What an Innings. Driving the energy spectrometer through the roof. One of the best Innings I have witnessed."

Tye returns

Run-a-ball required in the seven overs that remain, and MINY are firmly in control of this game. The Orcas need a couple of quick wickets to make a fist of this defence...