In the MLC 2025 blockbuster between Washington Freedom vs Los Angeles Knight Riders, it wasn’t just a match — it was a firework show sponsored by Glenn Maxwell. The Aussie maestro unleashed a brutal, unbeaten 106 off 49 balls, sending 13 deliveries over the ropes and LAKR back to the drawing board. For LA Knight Riders, it was déjà vu all over again — another game, another thrashing.
🚀 First Innings: Freedom, Fireworks, and Falling Wickets
Let’s rewind. Washington Freedom, opting to bat first, began like a rocket with Mitch Owen’s ridiculous 11-ball 32. If boundaries had loyalty cards, Owen would’ve earned a free coffee by the 3rd over.
But then, wickets dropped like Netflix subscriptions after a bad season finale. At 98/5 in 13 overs, it seemed Freedom were spiraling. Enter Glenn Maxwell — a man out of form, but never out of fireworks.
🔥 Maxwell’s Redemption Arc
Maxwell didn’t walk in to bat — he marched in with a vengeance. Three straight sixes off Sangha, a disdainful half-century via Narine, and then a scorched-earth policy for the last five overs. He had 13 sixes, just 2 fours, and zero chill. With Obus Pienaar supporting with a quiet 14*, they ended at a monstrous 208/5.
💣 LAKR’s Chase: More Ducks Than a Pond
If LAKR were hoping for a redemption story, they got a tragedy instead. Alex Hales, Sunil Narine, and Unmukt Chand all scored ducks — the rare “Golden Goose Trio” award.
🎯 The Bowling Bloodbath
Freedom’s bowling attack was merciless:
- Jack Edwards: 3-15 – including Chand, Powell, and Holder. Brutal.
- Mitch Owen: 3-18 – just in case you forgot he also batted.
- Netravalkar: 2 wickets – took the first and last ones, just for drama.
Only Saif Badar (32) and Jason Holder (23) resisted, but their stand was like duct tape on a sinking ship — too little, too late.
Final score: LAKR all out for 95 in 16.3 overs. Ouch.
🧨 Key Stats That Tell the Story
- Maxwell’s 106 off 49*: His 8th T20 century and arguably his most explosive.
- 13 sixes vs 2 fours: Who needs the ground when you’ve got airspace?
- 208/5 vs 95 all out: A 113-run margin – the kind of loss you try to forget with ice cream and silence.
- Freedom now 2-1 in the tournament, sitting comfortably in the top half.
- LAKR now 0-3, flirting dangerously with rock-bottom.
💸 188bet Odds Recap
Heading into the match, Washington Freedom opened at 2.25 odds on 188bet, while LAKR were slight favorites at 1.70 — based mostly on roster strength, not recent performance.
Live odds flipped dramatically after Maxwell’s power surge, with Freedom dropping to 1.30 before the first innings even ended. If you backed Maxwell, you probably backed your way to profit too.
📊 Pro tip: Keep an eye on Freedom’s odds while Maxwell’s batting — there’s profit in the chaos.
📌 FAQs – People Also Ask
Glenn Maxwell. No contest. His 106* from 49 balls not only rescued Freedom but demoralized LAKR entirely.
Thirteen. That’s not a typo. Thirteen mighty, morale-shattering sixes.
From unstable top-order performances to ineffective bowling under pressure, LAKR’s key players are underperforming — with three straight losses, confidence is clearly shaken.
Owen smashed 32 from 11 balls at the top and then came back with 3 crucial wickets to dismantle LAKR’s middle order. Talk about a complete package.
With 2 wins in 3 matches and Maxwell finding form, Freedom look poised to secure a playoff spot — especially if the momentum holds.
Statistically? Possibly not. But in terms of impact and timing, it might be his most significant in recent memory — turning a faltering innings into a total LAKR had zero chance of chasing.
🎯 Conclusion: LAKR, Meet Maxwell. Again.
The Washington Freedom vs Los Angeles Knight Riders clash will be remembered as Maxwell’s masterclass. LAKR weren’t just beaten — they were blasted out of contention. If you’re Freedom, you ride this wave into the next match. If you’re LAKR, maybe… rethink the top order?
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