Seattle vs Washington, 8th Match at Dallas, MLC, Jul 11 2024 - Match Result

11.10pm That's all the action from Dallas today. Tomorrow, it's Texas Super Kings up against MI New York in Morrisville, so don't forget to join in for what should be a cracking contest. There is of course a lot of cricket between now and then, so don't miss out. For now, it's Abhimanyu signing off on behalf of Andrew McGlashan, Sudeep and Vairavan.

11pm Time for the presentation ceremony.

Washington Freedom captain Steven Smith: "It was [hard fought] in the end. The top order did not get off to a flyer and take it through to the end but Pienaar and Milantha showed great composure in the end. It was quite a slow, low wicket. I thought all the bowlers did a really good job. Holland playing his first game bowled some hard lengths, was hard to hit. Netravalkar has been very good for us and Lockie came in and did what he does. [On the chase] I thought we had to try and get off to a good start. In the back end of their innings we saw it got slower. We were scoring at a reasonable rate but also losing wickets so that's the challenge. If someone from the top order made a 60 or 70 not out it would have been easier, but the guys did well. I think it was good that a few guys got some time in the middle. We have played a few rain-affected games and not got past the powerplay, so a few guys getting time in the middle sets us in good stead."

Orcas skipper, Heinrich Klaasen: "I think we lost the game in the back end with the bat. We were about 20 runs short. We did well with the ball, got the big players out, but we just didn't have enough on the scoreboard. I think just looking at the back end of the innings, we need one player going through to give the bowlers that extra little bit of help. [On the bowling] I think we can be proud of the bowlers, especially they did what they needed to do. They got rid of the big players. But we just didn't have enough runs on the board. [On the pitch] It's alright. If we had scored around 140 it would have been a good score and that's good cricket."

The player of the match, Lockie Ferguson: "I think it's been a good start to the campaign, specially from a bowling perspective. The whole unit has been pitching in. [On the conditions] Sometimes it's flat wickets but there was a bit in it today. But you have to bowl good areas. Just trying to do my piece of the puzzle."

10.50pm An excellent 63-run partnership between Lahiru Milantha and Obus Pienaar, two local USA lads, has led Washington Freedom to a win that puts them top of the table. Chasing 125, they were in big trouble at 64 for 5, but these two never let the pressure built, played the situation perfectly, and got the job done between them. Of course, the chase was on the back of an excellent bowling performance which saw Lockie Ferguson take four and Saurabh Netravalkar three as Seattle Orcas could not get to a par score despite a rapid half-century from the ever impressive Heinrich Klaasen. Then Travis Head was out first over, before Rachin Ravindra scored a quick 26. But after he and Steve Smith fell in succession, a couple more followed to put Orcas in front. But in the end, the defiant partnership ensured Freedom's undefeated status this season.

Rachin Ravindra: "It was alright with the new ball so we thought we could take it on. It was keeping a little low but worked out well for us in the end. [On taking on Imad Wasim] He bowled a maiden first up, so I kind of had to [take him down]. I thought that was the matchup for me. At No. 3, you always have to assess your situation and play your game. I thin kas a team if we just play our roles, more often than not we will come away with a win. It's a pretty good team to be a part of, from the support staff we have to the experience in the dressing room. It's great to rub shoulders with them."

Cameron: "Both Pienaar and Milantha got more than Maxwell, Head and Smith combined. Cricket is a strange game sometimes"

Just five needed to win now

Around the wicket to Pienaar

Can Nandre Burger change the game again for Seattle Orcas?

Zaman Khan