MLC 2026: Match 5, WAS vs NY Match Prediction – Who will win today’s MLC match between Washington Freedom vs MI New York?

Washington Freedom (WAS) lock horns with MI New York (NY) in match No. 5 of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

This is a repeat of last year's final, where MI New York emerged victorious by five runs at the same venue. In MLC 2026, Washington Freedom started with a defeat to Seattle Orcas on Saturday. Steve Smith and Co. posted 216 in 20 overs, but the Orcas chased the total with five wickets and 14 balls to spare.

Meanwhile, defending champions MI New York are all set to start their campaign on Sunday. Led by Nicholas Pooran, MI New York have relied on continuity, retaining most of the players who brought them glory last season. The side is quite balanced, comprising plenty of match-winners with bat and ball.

The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas is an excellent venue for batters. 200-plus totals have been chased down twice in two 20-over matches. Meanwhile, the game between the San Francisco Unicorns and the Los Angeles Knight Riders was reduced to 14 overs per side due to rain. The Knights chased down a formidable 151-run target with seven wickets and two balls to spare. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is the better option and defending totals is very difficult at this high-scoring venue.

Mitchell Owen, Steven Smith (C), Mark Chapman, Andries Gous (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Marco Jansen, Ian Holland, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar.

Quinton de Kock (WK), Monank Patel, Ryan Rickelton, Nicholas Pooran (C), Tajinder Dhillon, Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Trent Boult, Nosthush Kenjige, Rushil Ugarkar.

Mitchell Owen had a fantastic start to the season. In Washington's first game, he opened the batting with skipper Steven Smith and amassed 61 runs off 25 balls, belting 10 fours and two sixes. He will look to get his team off to another fiery start on Sunday.

After a disappointing campaign in the IPL, Trent Boult would want to bounce back strongly in the MLC. The veteran left-arm seamer will have a key role to play with the new ball. If he can strike early, it will make things easier for his fellow bowlers.