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WAF vs MINY Eliminator Preview: Washington Freedom and MI New York Fight for Survival in MLC 2026 Playoffs

WAF vs MINY Eliminator Match Prediction & Preview | MLC 2026 : The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 playoffs will continue with a high-pressure Eliminator clash between Washington Freedom (WAF) and MI New York (MINY) at the Oakland Coliseum. Both teams will be aiming to keep their title hopes alive, as the loser of this match will be eliminated from the tournament, while the winner will move one step closer to the MLC 2026 Final.

Washington Freedom had a strong campaign during the league stage and secured their place in the playoffs with consistent performances. MI New York, meanwhile, overcame challenges throughout the season and will look to deliver their best performance in this crucial knockout game.

Both teams have several match-winners in their squads. Washington Freedom will rely on players like Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, and Travis Head, while MI New York will look towards stars such as Nicholas Pooran, Quinton de Kock, and Kagiso Rabada to make the difference.

WAF vs MINY Eliminator Match Details

🏏 Match Details

MatchWashington Freedom vs MI New York, Eliminator (3 vs 4)
TournamentMajor League Cricket 2026
DateThursday, July 16, 2026
Time6:30 PM Local | 1:30 AM GMT | 7:00 AM IST
Venue🏟️ Oakland Coliseum, Oakland

WAF vs MINY Eliminator Pitch Report : Oakland Coliseum, Oakland

The Oakland Coliseum pitch has provided a balanced contest between bat and ball during MLC 2026. The venue has witnessed both high-scoring encounters and low-scoring games, which suggests that conditions can vary depending on the match situation.

Batters who spend time at the crease have been able to score runs freely, especially once they get settled. However, pacers have found some movement with the new ball, while slower bowlers can also play an important role in the middle overs.

Considering the previous matches at this venue, a first-innings score around 170-180 runs should be competitive. Teams batting first will look to build partnerships and aim for a strong total, while chasing teams may prefer to attack during the powerplay.

Pitch Type: Balanced Pitch
Expected First Innings Score: 170-180 Runs
Best Suited For: Top-order Batters & Pace Bowlers in Powerplay

For this knockout game, the team that handles pressure better and adapts quickly to the conditions is likely to have the advantage.

☀️ WAF vs MINY Weather Report

Weather☀️ Sunny
Temperature🌡️ 15.6°C
Humidity💧 83%
Rain Chance🌧️ 0%

MI New York vs Washington Freedom Head-to-Head Record

MI New York and Washington Freedom have faced each other 8 times in Major League Cricket history. The rivalry has been closely contested, with both teams winning 4 matches each. One match ended without a result, showing how competitive the contest has been between these two sides.

Washington Freedom have registered the highest team total of 190 runs against MI New York, while MI New York’s highest score in this fixture is 188 runs. In terms of lowest totals, MI New York’s lowest score is 88 runs, whereas Washington Freedom’s lowest score is 55 runs.

With an equal win record, both teams will enter the Eliminator with confidence and look to take the advantage in this crucial knockout match.

Stats

RecordMI New YorkWashington Freedom
Matches Played88
Wins44
Losses44
No Result11
Highest Score188190
Lowest Score8855

WAF vs MINY Squad

Washington Freedom Squad:

Steven Smith (C), Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, Marco Jansen, Mark Chapman, Andries Gous, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben Dwarshuis, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ian Holland, Lahiru Milantha, Obus Pienaar, Yasir Mohammad, Asif Mehmood, Amila Aponso, Abhishek Paradkar, Mukhtar Ahmed.

MI New York Squad:

Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ryan Rickelton, Monank Patel, Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch, AM Ghazanfar, Nosthush Kenjige, Corey Anderson, Sunny Patel, Tajinder Dhillon, Rushil Ugarkar, Ehsan Adil, Kunwarjeet Singh, Tristan Luus, Agni Chopra, Faisal Khan Ahmadzai.

WAF vs MINY Probable Playing XI

Washington Freedom:

Andries Gous (WK), Steven Smith (C), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, Mark Chapman, Jack Edwards, Marco Jansen, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar.

MI New York:

Quinton de Kock (WK), Monank Patel, Ryan Rickelton, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Nosthush Kenjige, AM Ghazanfar.

WAF vs MINY Eliminator : Probable Best Performers of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Mitchell Owen

Mitchell Owen has been one of the most impressive batters for Washington Freedom in MLC 2026. He has scored 375 runs in 10 matches at an average of 37.50 with an outstanding strike rate of 200.53. His ability to score quickly and dominate bowling attacks makes him a dangerous player in T20 cricket.

In a high-pressure Eliminator clash against MI New York, Owen’s aggressive batting at the top order could be crucial. If he gets going, he has the potential to become the top performer with the bat in this match.

Probable Best Bowler: Corbin Bosch

Corbin Bosch could be a key bowling option for MI New York if he is included in the playing XI. He has taken 12 wickets in 7 matches in MLC 2026, maintaining an impressive bowling impact with his pace and variations.

Bosch has the ability to take wickets in crucial phases, especially when the opposition is looking to accelerate. In a knockout match, his bowling could play an important role, making him a strong candidate for the best bowler of the match.

WAF vs MINY Eliminator 2026 Projected Score

If Washington Freedom bat first:

  • Powerplay (First 6 Overs): 45–55 Runs
  • Projected Total: 175–195 Runs

If MI New York bat first:

  • Powerplay (First 6 Overs): 40–55 Runs
  • Projected Total: 165–185 Runs

Prediction: Oakland Coliseum has produced balanced conditions during MLC 2026, where both batters and bowlers have found assistance. A score around 180 runs should be competitive in this knockout match. If any team reaches 190+, it will put strong pressure on the opposition, especially in a high-pressure playoff encounter.

WAF vs MINY Eliminator Match Prediction

The MLC 2026 Eliminator is expected to be a thrilling contest between Washington Freedom and MI New York, with both teams fighting to keep their title hopes alive. The loser of this match will be eliminated, while the winner will move closer to the final.

Washington Freedom have a strong all-round squad with players like Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, Steven Smith, Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson, who can influence the game in different departments. Their balance between batting and bowling makes them a dangerous side in knockout matches.

MI New York also have several experienced match-winners, including Nicholas Pooran, Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Shakib Al Hasan and Trent Boult. If their top order fires and bowlers get early breakthroughs, they can put pressure on Washington Freedom.

Winning Probability

  • Washington Freedom: 55%
  • MI New York: 45%

Prediction:

Considering team balance, recent performances and the impact of their all-rounders, Washington Freedom are slight favourites to win this Eliminator match. However, MI New York’s experienced players make them capable of turning the game around at any stage.

WAF vs MINY Eliminator Fantasy XI

Wicketkeepers:

  • Quinton de Kock
  • Andries Gous

Batters:

  • Steven Smith
  • Nicholas Pooran
  • Ryan Rickelton

All-rounders:

  • Glenn Maxwell (C)
  • Rachin Ravindra
  • Marco Jansen

Bowlers:

  • Trent Boult
  • Lockie Ferguson
  • Saurabh Netravalkar (VC)

Where to Watch WAF vs MINY Live?

📍 Venue & Broadcast Details

🏟️ StadiumOakland Coliseum
📍 CityOakland, United States
📱 Live Streaming (India)JioHotstar
📺 TV Broadcast (India)Star Sports Network

More : Washington Freedom Beat MI New York by 5 Wickets to Finish League Stage on a High; Teams Set for Eliminator Clash

When and where will WAF vs MINY Eliminator 2026 match be played?

The WAF vs MINY Eliminator match will be played on July 16, 2026, at the Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, United States.

Where can I watch WAF vs MINY Eliminator live streaming in India?

Fans in India can watch the live streaming on JioHotstar, while the TV broadcast will be available on Star Sports Network.

What is the pitch report for WAF vs MINY Eliminator match?

The Oakland Coliseum pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest. Pacers may get help early, while batters can score freely once settled. A total around 170-180 runs could be competitive.