Picking a combined MI New York-Texas Super Kings playing 11 for MLC 2024 ft. Mohammed Mohsin, Rashid Khan
The ninth MLC (Major League Cricket) 2024 fixture will see two famed sides, MI New York (MINY) and Texas Super Kings (TSK) go head-to-head at Morrisville on Saturday, July 13.
MI New York are the defending champions as they beat Seattle Orcas in the final last season to lift the trophy. Interestingly, they began their campaign against the same opposition this time, winning by six wickets.
However, in their next game, they were humbled as they faced a four-run loss against Washington Freedom.
On the other hand, Texas Super Kings also had a solid MLC 2023 season. They finished second on the points table. However, they stumbled upon defeats in the first qualifier and the challenger, thus failing to make the finals.
Texas Super Kings have played three games in MLC 2024 so far and have a win, a loss, and a no result.
With two fierce competitors set to lock horns against each other, it is expected to be a thriller of a contest and a much-awaited one. Ahead of their MLC 2024 clash, here is a combined playing XI with players from either side
Combined MI New York-Texas Super Kings playing XI for MLC 2024:
Openers: Devon Conway, Faf du Plessis (C)
It is quite hard to look past the opening pair of Devon Conway and Faf du Plessis. The duo has plenty of experience batting at the top and have complemented each other well.
Both have been in fine form playing for the Texas Super Kings this season as well. Conway has scored 124 runs from three innings at an impressive average of 62 and a half-century.
Meanwhile, Super Kings' skipper Faf du Plessis has 148 runs from three outings at a strike-rate of 166.29. He also has a century, slamming a 58-ball 100 against Washington Freedom.
Faf and Conway are the top two run-scorers of the tournament respectively. The TSK skipper would also lead this combined side.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Monank Patel (WK), Steven Taylor, Rashid Khan, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Mohammed Mohsin
MINY's Monak Patel hasn't been in the best of forms. However, he would be expected to come good, as he possesses the ability to bring stability to the batting order. He would also be the wicketkeeper in this side.
Steven Taylor is another decent choice in the middle. He can take on bowlers and score some valuable runs. Taylor hasn't had enough opportunities in the tournament so far. He would be keen to display his skills with the bat.
One of the finest all-rounders at present, MINY's Rashid Khan has lit up the MLC 2024. Living up to his reputation, Rashid has picked up three wickets and also contributed with the bat, scoring a quickfire 15-ball 31 in the game against Washington Freedom.
This combined XI would have a solid trio of big names in the all-round department. With Rashid being one, the West Indies duo of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo are the other two.
Pollard hasn't struck top form yet. However, having immense experience playing all around the globe, he brings great value to any side, with this exceptional skill set in all three aspects of the game.
Similarly, Dwayne Bravo also carries a truckload of experience in T20 cricket. He also picked up a couple of wickets in the previous game for TSK. His variations with the ball have made him successful all over the world. Both Pollard and Bravo are powerful hitters down the order as well.
Mohammed Mohsin is another spin-bowling all-rounder in this side. He bowled a magnificent spell for the Super Kings in their previous outing, returning with figures of 4/13 from 3.5 overs. He would pair with Rashid as the second spinner.
Bowlers: Calvin Savage, Ehsan Adil, Trent Boult
TSK pacer Calvin Savage, though slightly inexperienced in the T20 format, has 179 wickets from 69 First-Class games, making him an interesting pick. He also has 2343 runs, making him a handy lower-order batter.
Right-arm pacer Ehsan Adil may have picked up only a couple of wickets in MLC 2024, but he has been extremely economical with the ball. He has a knack for picking up wickets while also keeping things tight.
Finally, left-arm quick Trent Boult will lead the pace attack. Boult brings in a plethora of experience, with his ability to bowl upfront and at the backend. He grabbed three wickets for MINY in their opening game and has been economical as well.