TSK vs WAF 27th Match Report & Highlight | MLC 2026 : Washington Freedom pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Texas Super Kings in Match 27 of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at Grand Prairie Stadium. Chasing a competitive target of 166, Freedom held their nerve in the closing stages to reach 166/7 in 19.4 overs, thanks to a sensational unbeaten knock from Ben Dwarshuis, who was deservedly named Player of the Match.
The result further strengthens Washington Freedom’s position in the tournament, while Texas Super Kings were left to rue another missed opportunity after failing to defend a fighting total.
Faf du Plessis Leads from the Front
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Texas Super Kings made a positive start through captain Faf du Plessis and Saiteja Mukkamalla. The experienced South African anchored the innings with a classy 61 off 41 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes.
Mukkamalla complemented his skipper brilliantly, smashing 47 off just 29 deliveries, including five towering sixes. Their partnership gave Texas complete control during the first half of the innings and laid the platform for a total well beyond 170.
However, Washington Freedom fought back strongly once the opening stand was broken.
Freedom Bowlers Trigger Middle-Order Collapse
Texas Super Kings lost momentum dramatically after the dismissals of Du Plessis and Mukkamalla. Rilee Rossouw (4), Dian Forrester (9), Donovan Ferreira (4), Calvin Savage (2), and Akeal Hosein (0) all failed to make significant contributions.
Only Shubham Ranjane’s 20 off 15 balls provided some late resistance as wickets continued to tumble in the death overs. Texas eventually lost all ten wickets and finished on 165 in exactly 20 overs, a total that looked competitive but slightly below par.
Washington’s bowling attack shared the workload impressively.
Nikhil Chaudhary claimed two crucial wickets, including Faf du Plessis, while Mitchell Owen impressed with figures of 2 for 19 in three overs. Rachin Ravindra also picked up two wickets, whereas Ben Dwarshuis and Saurabh Netravalkar chipped in with one wicket each to restrict Texas.
Steven Smith and Rachin Ravindra Keep the Chase Alive
Washington Freedom’s chase began cautiously as Mitchell Owen departed early for seven runs. Captain Steven Smith then steadied the innings with a fluent 46 off 29 balls, playing several elegant strokes to keep the required run rate under control.
Rachin Ravindra added momentum with a quickfire 24 off 12 deliveries, but Texas struck back through disciplined bowling to leave the contest evenly balanced.
Andries Gous, Nikhil Chaudhary, Lahiru Milantha, and Obus Pienaar all got starts but couldn’t convert them into match-winning innings, setting up a tense finish.
Ben Dwarshuis Produces the Match-Winning Finish
With the game hanging in the balance during the final overs, Ben Dwarshuis delivered one of the finest finishing knocks of the season.
The Australian all-rounder blasted an unbeaten 38 off just 16 balls, smashing two fours and three sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 237.50. His fearless stroke play completely shifted the momentum in Washington Freedom’s favour.
At the other end, Marco Jansen calmly supported him with an unbeaten seven, ensuring there were no further hiccups as Washington crossed the finish line with two balls to spare.
Texas Bowlers Fight Hard but Fall Short
Texas Super Kings’ bowlers kept the contest alive throughout the chase.
Akeal Hosein delivered an economical spell of 2 for 26, while Abhimanyu Lamba and Dian Forrester also claimed two wickets each. Amshi de Silva added one wicket, but the bowling attack couldn’t contain Dwarshuis in the closing stages.
The inability to execute yorkers and slower deliveries under pressure proved costly as Washington completed a memorable chase.
Turning Point of the Match
The defining moment came in the final four overs when Ben Dwarshuis launched a fearless counterattack. His unbeaten 38 completely changed the complexion of the chase after Texas had dragged themselves back into the contest with regular wickets.
Earlier, Washington’s disciplined bowling effort to dismiss Texas for 165 instead of allowing them to reach 180-plus also played a crucial role in the outcome.
Player of the Match
Ben Dwarshuis (Washington Freedom)
- Bowling: 4 overs, 32 runs, 1 wicket
- Batting: 38* off 16 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes)
Match Summary
Texas Super Kings: 165 all out (20 overs)
Washington Freedom: 166/7 (19.4 overs)
Washington Freedom won by 3 wickets.
Washington Freedom once again showcased their depth and composure under pressure, with both their bowling unit and lower middle order stepping up when it mattered most. For Texas Super Kings, the loss highlighted their inability to capitalize on a strong start with the bat and finish the innings strongly. As the race for the MLC 2026 playoffs intensifies, this victory could prove to be a significant boost for Washington Freedom’s campaign.
More : MLC 2026 Match 26: Los Angeles Knight Riders Beat San Francisco Unicorns by 11 Runs
Who won the TSK vs WF Match 27 in MLC 2026?
Washington Freedom defeated Texas Super Kings by 3 wickets in Match 27 of Major League Cricket 2026, successfully chasing 166 runs in 19.4 overs.
Who was the Player of the Match in TSK vs WF MLC 2026?
Ben Dwarshuis was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, taking 1 wicket and scoring an unbeaten 38 off just 16 balls.
How many runs did Faf du Plessis score against Washington Freedom?
Texas Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis scored 61 runs off 41 balls, including four fours and three sixes, in Match 27 of MLC 2026.
Niraj Yadav इस वेबसाइट के Founder और Content Writer हैं। ये अकेले ही वेबसाइट को मैनेज करते हैं और IPL, क्रिकेट न्यूज़, मैच हाइलाइट्स, पॉइंट्स टेबल और लेटेस्ट स्पोर्ट्स अपडेट्स पर कंटेंट लिखते हैं। इनका उद्देश्य क्रिकेट फैंस तक तेज, आसान और भरोसेमंद जानकारी पहुंचाना है।