Washington: Washington Freedom claimed their first Major League Cricket 2025 season victory with a commanding win over Seattle Orcas. Fast bowler Ian Holland was the star, taking a career-best 4 for 19 to help restrict Orcas to just 145 for 9.
The Orcas got off to a strong start, reaching 66 for 1 by the end of the powerplay. David Warner smashed 31 off 17 balls, and Kyle Mayers added 27, attacking the bowling early on.
However, the momentum shifted completely once Holland entered the attack in the 10th over. He removed Orcas captain Heinrich Klaasen and later picked up three more wickets with his deceptive slower deliveries. Aaron Jones, Harmeet Singh, and Cameron Gannon fell, trying to attack him.
In the chase, Washington Freedom made light work of the target. Rachin Ravindra played a blistering knock of 44 off 18 balls, and Mitchell Owen added a quick 25. Returning from poor IPL form, Glenn Maxwell stayed unbeaten on 38 from just 20 deliveries, striking multiple boundaries to seal the game.
Washington chased down the total with 39 balls to spare. The win gives them a substantial early boost in the tournament and highlights their balanced team effort with both bat and ball.
