LA Knight Riders win maiden MLC title: IPL franchises with most trophies around the world listed

LA Knight Riders win maiden MLC title: IPL franchises with most trophies around the world listed originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• LA Knight Riders beat the Washington Freedom by one run in the MLC final.
• Shadley van Schalkwyk’s final over heroics seal dramatic victory.
• This was Knight Rider’s 10th title across franchise leagues in the world. 

LA Knight Riders clinch maiden MLC crown in nail-biting final

Los Angeles Knight Riders survived a heart-stopping finish to claim their first-ever Major League Cricket title, edging out Washington Freedom by a solitary run in a final over that had everyone on the edge of their seats at the Oakland Coliseum in California on Saturday.

Washington needed just 14 runs off the last six deliveries and looked firmly on course after Obus Pienaar smashed the opening ball straight over the ropes for six.

But that’s when Shadley van Schalkwyk turned the contest on its head, picking up three wickets across the remaining five balls, including a run-out off the very last delivery, sparking scenes of jubilation as Los Angeles were crowned MLC’s newest champions.

𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 ⭐🏆#WeAreLAKR | #LAKnightRiders | #MLC26 | #LAKRvWFpic.twitter.com/xUvJeKlP5d

— Los Angeles Knight Riders (@LA_KnightRiders) July 19, 2026

The title adds another name to the tournament’s short history, with MI New York having previously won the inaugural edition in 2023 and repeating the feat in 2025, while Washington Freedom themselves had triumphed in 2024.

Having lost the toss, Los Angeles were sent in to bat first and were eventually dismissed for 164 in 19.4 overs. Andre Fletcher provided early impetus with a quickfire 47 off 27 balls, while Colin Munro added 40 from 29 deliveries. Despite Andre Russell departing for a duck, Matthew Tromp played a valuable hand, striking 39 off just 21 balls, including three fours and as many sixes.

Washington’s bowlers kept chipping away at regular intervals throughout the innings, with Ben Dwarshuis the standout performer, finishing with figures of 3 for 31, while Rachin Ravindra, Nikhil Chaudhary and Mitchell Owen each picked up two wickets apiece to restrict the total.

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Sunil Narine and Jason Holder rock Freedom’s chase in MLC final

Washington’s pursuit of the target got off to a torrid start as Sunil Narine tore through their top order. The left-arm spinner dismissed Mitchell Owen, Steven Smith and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession, finishing with excellent figures of 3 for 13.

Captain Jason Holder then joined the party, removing Andries Gous, Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben Dwarshuis to end with 3 for 31 himself. With Washington slipping to 109 for 6 by the 16th over, Los Angeles appeared to have the game firmly under control.

Then Pienaar launched a remarkable counterattack, smashing 53 runs off just 24 balls, laced with three fours and five sixes.

However, Freedom still fell short by one run to finish as runners-up in this edition of MLC.

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LISTED: IPL franchises with the most trophies around the world

Mumbai Indians’ ownership group continues to lead global franchise cricket with 13 trophies across leagues, including five IPL titles, two CLT20 crowns, two WPL titles, and MLC success through MI New York.

The Knight Riders group now sits second with 10 titles overall, boosted by this maiden MLC crown alongside three IPL titles and five CPL trophies with Trinbago.

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