Thanks to a four-wicket haul from Trent Boult and an unbeaten 112-run partnership between Nicholas Pooran and Monank Patel, MI New York kept their Major League Cricket (MLC) playoff hopes alive with a convincing eight-wicket win over the Los Angeles Knight Riders at Broward County Stadium on Thursday.

Put in to bat first, the Knight Riders collapsed early, losing three wickets for just 29 runs in the powerplay.

Boult was in fantastic form as the 35-year-old Kiwi speedster rolled back the years knocking over the top order early in the powerplay with pace, swing, and deadly accuracy, ultimately ending with superb figures of 17/4. 

However, just when it looked like the Knight Riders would fall well short, Sherfane Rutherford stepped up with a brilliant counterattack.

The Guyanese left-hander smashed 86 off just 44 balls on a pitch that seemed totally different to other batters.

Despite wickets falling around him and a lack of support, Rutherford’s knock helped the Knight Riders post a respectable 153/8. 

In response, MI New York had some early luck and made it count. Sunil Narine briefly caused problems with his spin and removed Quinton de Kock, but LA’s fielding struggles continued.

They missed more chances, including a dropped edge and a missed appeal against Pooran. 

Once the early pressure was alleviated, Pooran and Monank Patel took full control. The pair paced their innings smartly on a pitch offering turn and bounce, building an unbroken 112-run stand that shut the door on LA’s hopes.

Patel scored a steady 56 off 44 balls, while Pooran finished unbeaten on 62 off 47, guiding MI New York home with 10 balls to spare. 

While Rutherford’s effort stood out, their bowling and fielding let them down, and the LA Knight Riders are all but out of this competition.

On the other hand, with this win, MI New York stay alive in the playoff race and will look to strengthen their case when these two sides meet again on Saturday afternoon. 

Match Summary:

MI New York beat Los Angeles Knight Riders by 8 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)

LAKR: 154/8 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 86, Andre Russell 15; Trent Boult 17/4, Kieron Pollard 15/2)

MINY: 155/2 in 17.5 overs (Nicholas Pooran 62*, Monank Patel 56*; Sunil Narine 26/1).