CRICKET POLL

Early days into the 2024 MLC season and Washington Freedom are set to play their first game when they face MI New York at Churchstreet Park, Morrisville. The defending champions started their season off in style with a six-wicket win over Seattle Orcas in a low-scoring game at this venue. Trent Boult and Rashid Khan headlined New York's victory on a tricky surface while Nicholas Pooran also blasted a cameo to make short work of the chase. Kieron Pollard's men look a well-rounded unit with a potent bowling attack to go with their power-packed batting line-up. They'll be keen to keep the winning momentum going.

Meanwhile, Washington Freedom are quietly confident after having revamped their roster for this season. With the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and Steve Smith in the mix, the side looks fresher to the one that competed last year. Ricky Ponting's appointment as head coach further bolsters the franchise's credentials. The bowling also has a good assortment of quality and variety with the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen and Saurabh Netravalkar leading the way. On paper, Freedom look like a rejuvenated side that's capable of beating anyone in the competition. If they play to their potential, they could stretch the dominant MI New York outfit.

When:Saturday, July 6 at 3 PM local/ 12.30 am IST (July 7)

Where:Church Street Park, Morrisville

What to expect:The first game that featured MI New York and Seattle Orcas was a low-scoring affair with seamers ruling the roost. The pitch might have gotten time to settle but it should still be another challenging deck on offer.

Teams watch

MI New York

The defending champions had the perfect start to the season. They may have lost a few more wickets than they'd have liked in the run chase but it was a clinical effort overall. It is unlikely that there would be any changes to the XI that played against Seattle.

Probable XI: Ruben Clinton, Monank Patel, Nicholas Pooran(wk), Shayan Jahangir, Tim David, Kieron Pollard(c), Steven Taylor, Rashid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Trent Boult, Anrich Nortje

Washington Freedom

With a largely new-look squad to pick from, Freedom are expected to unleash all of their new signings straightaway in this clash. Travis Head should take up his customary opening slot with Andries Gous while Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Rachin Ravindra form the crux of an exciting middle order.

Probable XI: Travis Head, Andries Gous(wk), Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, Obus Pienaar, Marco Jansen, Amila Aponso, Yasir Mohammad, Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson