Picking a combined LA Knight Riders-Seattle Orcas playing 11 for MLC 2024 ft. Sunil Narine, Heinrich Klaasen
The MLC (Major League Cricket) is in its second edition with five games already done and dusted. Competitive cricket has been played with global superstars from all over being a part of the various teams.
Los Angeles Knight Riders had a solid start to their MLC 2024 campaign. They beat the Texas Super Kings by 12 runs to register their first win of the tournament in their opening game.
However, their second game against the San Francisco Unicorns resulted in a six-wicket defeat. Facing a loss early on, they will be keen to return to winning ways as they are set to face Seattle Orcas in their next match.
On the other hand, Seattle Orcas began their campaign with a six-wicket defeat at the hands of defending champions MI New York. It was a disappointing performance and they will be eager to clinch their first win of the season.
As the Los Angeles Knight Riders and Seattle Orcas prepare to face off in what is expected to be a thrilling clash with big names on either side, here is a combined playing XI with players from both teams.
Combined LA Knight Riders-Seattle Orcas playing XI for MLC 2024:
Openers: Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock (WK)
Sunil Narine displayed his batting prowess in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played a key role in the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) victorious run.
Narine possesses the ability to bat any opposition out of the game in the first six overs. With his smart and clever bowling, he also brings a lot to the table with his all-round abilities. The LA Knight Riders will expect their skipper to fire with both the bat and the ball.
Quinton De Kock, who would also handle the glove work, is an ideal fit at the top. Despite his failure in the opening game for Seattle, his beautiful stroke play and character to take the attack to the opposition up front make him a valuable pick.
Having played across many leagues apart from international cricket, De Kock carries immense experience and potential, which will come in handy for Seattle.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Andre Russell, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (C)
Unmukt Chand laid the foundation for LA Knight Riders' opening win in the MLC 2024. His 45-ball 68 came at an impressive strike-rate and helped them set up a match-winning total. They will want him to come good and continue scoring this season.
Nitish Kumar's potential was witnessed by one and all during the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is a fearless striker of the ball and can score some vital runs once he settles in.
Batting all-rounder Harmeet Singh brings some depth to Seattle's line-up. He appeared in good touch in their first match, scoring a 14-ball 20. They would also look to utilize some of his left-arm spin.
Andre Russell, a household name in T20 cricket, had a successful IPL campaign with KKR. Despite LA Knight Riders' defeat in their second game, Russell was at his very best, smashing a brutal 25-ball unbeaten 40. He will be expected to continue taking down bowlers at the MLC this season.
David Miller did not start the season well but played a decent knock in the second game. Miller can carry the batting in the middle and change gears when the situation demands.
He is another vital cog in the batting for the LA Knight Riders. Given his skill set and experience, Miller is an easy pick for any T20 side in the world.
Seattle skipper Heinrich Klaasen is also the leader of this combined XI. While he failed in their opening game, he has had a phenomenal run with the bat, right from the IPL with the Sunrisers to the T20 World Cup where South Africa made the finals.
Klaasen's game has changed significantly, with him being able to bash not just the quicker bowlers but also the spinners out of the park at will. He could certainly light up the MLC 2024 season with some fireworks.
Bowlers: Cameron Gannon, Ali Khan, Spencer Johnson
Cameron Gannon made a fine start to MLC 2024 for the Seattle Orcas, picking up a couple of wickets in the first game. He played a major role in their campaign the previous season, winning the domestic player of the tournament as they reached the finals of MLC 2023.
Ali Khan is another household name in the USA cricketing circle. The pacer announced himself in style this season with four wickets in the opening game for the Knight Riders. He is also currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with four scalps.
Finally, left-arm quick Spencer Johnson completes this combined XI. He has been in exceptional form this season with the ball. He is already the leading wicket-taker with five scalps from two games.
His experience of playing in the Big Bash League and the IPL has helped him take giant strides early in his career. The LA Knight Riders will want their key pacer to keep bagging wickets consistently throughout MLC 2024.