Watch: Adam Gilchrist keeps wickets to West Indies legends Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose as MLC 2025 begins in style | Cricket News – Times of India

Courtney Walsh, Adam Gilchrist and Curtly Ambrose (Photo by Ron Gaunt / Sportzpics for MLC)

The 2025 version of Major League Cricket (MLC) received off to a rousing begin on the Oakland Coliseum, not solely as a result of of Finn Allen’s report-breaking innings but additionally thanks to a nostalgic second that introduced cricket’s wealthy historical past to centre stage. In a particular tribute to the sport, West Indian greats Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh rolled again the years by delivering the ceremonial first balls on the newly-laid pitch. Standing behind the stumps was none aside from Australian legend Adam Gilchrist, donning the gloves in what was a heartwarming second for followers. Although there was no batter on the crease, the sight of Ambrose and Walsh sending down deliveries with Gilchrist maintaining, created a buzz amongst spectators and set a symbolic tone for MLC’s aspirations in the United States. It was a celebration of cricket’s previous as nicely as a sign in direction of its rising future in North America. Moments later, the main focus shifted to fashionable fireworks as Finn Allen unleashed a T20 masterclass for the San Francisco Unicorns. His blistering 151 off simply 51 balls broke a number of data — quickest 150 in T20 historical past, most sixes in a T20 innings (19), and the best particular person rating in MLC. San Francisco posted a mammoth 269/5, the league’s highest complete. Washington Freedom, regardless of a brisk begin, crumbled below stress, folding for simply 146. Haris Rauf starred with the ball, taking 3 for 30, serving to SFU clinch a 123-run victory. Between legendary presence and explosive efficiency, MLC 2025 started with an evening to bear in mind.