The American Pitch

Welcome back to The American Pitch! The 2025 Major League Cricket season is in full swing, and we’ve got two weeks of jaw-dropping action to recap. From record-smashing innings to last-ball thrillers, plus global cricket headlines and the coolest tech trends, this issue dives deep – with all the stats and stories you crave. Let’s hit it out of the park! 🏏🎉

🔥 MLC 2025: Thrills, Chills, and Big-Hitting Heroes

💥 Unicorns Unleash Record-Blitz in Oakland

In the MLC opener (June 13), the San Francisco Unicorns demolished Washington Freedom in historic fashion. SFU piled up a league-record 269/5 – the first 250+ total in MLC history – fueled by an explosive Finn Allen knock. The New Zealand star charged to 151 off just 51 balls, belting 19 sixes (fastest T20 150 ever!) to set the tone. His onslaught included 34 runs in one over alone – a sight to behold for any fan. By contrast, Washington’s chase started brightly (57/0) but then collapsed: seven Freedom batters fell for single-figure scores as SFU’s bowlers ran riot. Haris Rauf (3/30) and Hassan Khan (3/38) shared the bulk of the damage, and Carmi Le Roux chipped in with two wickets to bowl the visitors out for 146. In the end, SFU won by a staggering 123-run margin – easily the biggest blowout in MLC history. It was a whirlwind start to the season and a new benchmark for power-hitting in U.S. cricket.

⚡ Texas Super Kings Hold Nerve in Nail-Biter

On June 14 in Oakland, defending champ MI New York nearly pulled off a miracle. Batting first, Texas Super Kings totaled 185/6 thanks to two key innings: Devon Conway’s steady 65 off 44 balls (with five towering sixes) kept them afloat early, and Calvin Savage’s late blitz (53* off 34, including 4 sixes) turned the innings around. MI New York fought back hard in the chase. Their captain Monank Patel anchored the innings with a measured 62 (44 balls), and Michael Bracewell smashed 38 off 21 to set up a potential finish. Even Kieron Pollard joined the assault with a quickfire 32 off 16. But cricket’s famous twists arrived in the final over. Texas all-rounder Daryl Mitchell flipped the game: he threw down two run-outs on consecutive balls, dismissing Pollard and Monank in moments of utter drama. With 9 needed from the last over, Mitchell’s composed bowling (only 5 runs conceded) sealed a 3-run TSK victory. Savannah nabbed “Player of the Match” for her unbeaten 53, but it was Mitchell’s fielding heroics and death-over magic that clinched the win. This thriller showcased why MLC is a must-watch – the margins were paper-thin, the tension sky-high, and Texas edged out MI New York after a rollercoaster finish.

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!

🏆 ICC World Test Championship Final: History at Lord’s

A match for the ages!

While the U.S. follows the T20 action, the cricket world got another huge storyline: South Africa’s historic win at Lord’s. In the June 11–14 WTC Final, the Proteas broke a 27-year title drought by beating defending champions Australia by 5 wickets. The match turned on a virtuoso innings from SA opener Aiden Markram – he carved out a monumental 136 on Day 3, then fell with the target in sight. Markram’s innings was the difference in a game dominated by the bowlers. On the final morning, skipper Temba Bavuma (66) and Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets in the match) helped wrap up the chase of 282, with Kyle Verreynne hitting the winning runs. It was South Africa’s first men’s ICC title since 1998, and a showcase of grit: Australia’s potent attack had them slightly rattled, but Markram’s “innings of a lifetime” steered the Proteas home. For American fans used to surprises, this result was a reminder that cricket’s ultimate glory can come from anywhere.

🇮🇳 “Bring the Olympic Games Home!” Jay Shah Rallies India on Olympic Day

Cricket is officially part of the Olympic movement, and the celebrations are going global. On June 23 – celebrated annually as Olympic Day to mark the founding of the modern Games in 1894 – ICC Chairman Jay Shah shared a powerful message on social media: it's time to move, unite, and dream big.

“Cricket has always united us, and now, it’s part of the Olympic movement! On this Olympic Day, let’s celebrate the power of sport to inspire, connect, and uplift,” Shah posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Shah joined the #LetsMove campaign, which encourages people to invite their “+1” for a walk, run, or cricket match – anything to get moving for a stronger, healthier community. It’s part of a global effort by the Olympics to promote fitness and friendship through movement.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) echoed the call, celebrating cricket’s Olympic inclusion with a post of their own: “This Olympic Day, let’s celebrate the power of sports to connect and inspire... Let’s make our dream a reality – Olympics in India!” Shah posted on X (formerly Twitter).

As cricket eyes its Olympic debut at LA 2028, Jay Shah’s words reflect a bigger vision: bringing the Games to India in the future. For Indian and global cricket fans alike, the movement is more than physical – it’s symbolic. Cricket isn’t just joining the Olympics. It’s arriving with purpose.

💡 Fun Fact: The "Let's Move" campaign lets fans track their steps, dances, or cricket games and share them on social using the hashtag #LetsMove – making it a global virtual celebration of sport.

Stay tuned for more Olympic cricket news – and maybe, just maybe, a future Games hosted on Indian soil. 🏏🇮🇳🥇

🎮 Gear & Culture: The Virtual Cricket Revolution

The future of cricket is here!

Cricket’s not just modernizing on the field – the tech and culture around the game are leveling up too. The latest is virtual and augmented reality: broadcasters and teams are rolling out VR experiences so fans can “play” too. Imagine suiting up and facing a virtual Jasprit Bumrah in your living room – that’s now possible with new VR batting simulators. Augmented reality overlays let you trace ball trajectories in 3D or relive classic matches from inside the action.

On the training side, smart gadgets are everywhere. Companies now make “smart bats” with built-in sensors to measure your swing in real time. Connected apps analyze bat speed, swing angle, and impact spot, giving instant coaching tips to improve your technique. Even the ball is getting an upgrade: “smart balls” and sensor-equipped balls track speed, spin and seam action to help bowlers fine-tune their delivery. Wearable trackers and fitness bands are also part of the scene, monitoring heart rate and movement so players can train smarter. All of this tech makes cricket more interactive and fun, especially for young and new players. From AI-assisted bats to VR cages, the future of cricket gear is high-tech and exciting.

🏆 Partner Spotlight: HNDRD

Quick Hits: Cricket World News 🌍✨

• USA Women’s Cricket: The Netherlands women swept the USA Women’s team 4-0 in their five-match June T20 series in Utrecht. (A tough away tour for Team USA, but valuable experience for the young squad.)

• ICC (WTC Final): South Africa beat Australia by five wickets at Lord’s (Aiden Markram 136) to claim the inaugural World Test Championship – their first ICC trophy in 27 years.

• Gear: Cricket’s getting digital! New broadcast tech lets fans step into virtual stadiums. For instance, some leagues now offer VR training simulators so you can face a professional bowler at home.

• Olympics 2028: T20 cricket is confirmed for LA 2028, with six-team tournaments for both men’s and women’s side. This marks cricket’s return to the Olympic Games after 128 years (it was last played in 1900 Paris).

🏏 Spotlight the Best in American Cricket!

We love celebrating U.S. cricket heroes – that’s where you come in! Do you know a legendary local coach, a standout player, or a game-changing academy in your community? Tell us about them for a future feature! We want to highlight the stories that inspire and unite American cricket. Whether it’s a rising star or a hometown hero, submit your nominations to [email protected]. Let’s give our grassroots champions the spotlight they deserve! 🌟

Share this newsletter with fellow cricket fans, and stay tuned for more updates. Until next time, keep the passion for cricket burning bright! 🔥

Have a story you want to share? Message [email protected] today!