Texas Super Kings vs MI New York MLC Prediction, Players, Standings, Odds: 12/7/2025

As Major League Cricket 2025 nears its conclusion, three teams remain in contention for the title. Texas Super Kings and MI New York are set to battle it out in the Challenger on Friday at Grand Prairie Stadium, with a place in the final against Washington Freedom up for grabs. Both teams have had moments of brilliance this season, setting the stage for a compelling knockout clash.

The grand finale is scheduled for July 13, also at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. While Texas will be looking to bounce back from a rain-affected Qualifier, MI New York arrive with momentum following a narrow win in the Eliminator.

Texas Super Kings Preview: Ready for Redemption After Washed-Out Qualifier

Texas Super Kings were denied a shot at directly qualifying for the final when their Qualifier 1 against Washington Freedom was abandoned due to rain. Only the toss took place before the weather ended proceedings. As the higher-ranked team in the league stage, Washington advanced, leaving Texas to regroup for the Challenger.

Despite the setback, Texas remain one of the most well-rounded sides in the tournament. Their batting has been powered by Faf du Plessis, who has amassed 409 runs from nine innings at a remarkable average of 51.12 and an explosive strike rate of 175.33. His unbeaten 91 against Seattle Orcas in the final league game demonstrated his game-changing ability.

In the middle order, Shubham Ranjane and Donovan Ferreira have both made key contributions, each scoring over 210 runs and ensuring the innings doesn’t lose momentum. Saiteja Mukkamalla has shown flashes of talent but is yet to deliver a complete performance—something the team will hope changes under pressure.

The bowling unit has shared the load, with Noor Ahmad and Adam Milne leading the way with 14 wickets each. Zia-ul-Haq and Nandre Burger have taken 13 combined, offering variety and pace. Akeal Hosein has grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed, rounding out a solid, if occasionally inconsistent, attack.

Texas Super Kings Predicted XI: Smit Patel (wk), Faf du Plessis (c), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Marcus Stoinis, Shubham Ranjane, Donovan Ferreira, Calvin Savage, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Zia-ul-Haq, Adam Milne

MI New York Preview: Grit Over Glamour in Comeback Campaign

MI New York’s road to the Challenger hasn’t been smooth. They won just two of their first eight matches but managed to rally late, defeating San Francisco Unicorns by two wickets in a tense Eliminator.

Despite their up-and-down journey, MI’s batting has been anchored by Monank Patel, who has scored 401 runs in 11 matches at a solid average of 36.45 and a strike rate nearing 146. Quinton de Kock has also provided consistent starts, tallying 287 runs with a strike rate of 141.

Nicholas Pooran has been their standout finisher, especially in the latter stages. His unbeaten knocks of 108 (off 60 balls) and 62* (off 47) have turned games around and make him the most dangerous player in MI’s lineup. The middle order, featuring Michael Bracewell and Kieron Pollard, has also stepped up recently, offering stability and firepower.

Trent Boult spearheads the bowling attack with 13 wickets and sets the tone early. While the bowling unit hasn’t been consistently dominant, Nosthush Kenjige and Rushil Ugarkar shared five wickets in the Eliminator, and could be key on a slower surface.

MI New York Predicted XI: Monank Patel, Quinton de Kock (wk), Nicholas Pooran (c), Tajinder Dhillon, Michael Bracewell, Kieron Pollard, Heath Richards, Tristan Luus, Nosthush Kenjige, Rushil Ugarkar, Trent Boult

Pitch and Conditions: Expect Runs with Early Assistance for Seamers

Grand Prairie Stadium is known for its batter-friendly surface, with consistent bounce and a lightning-fast outfield. However, the Eliminator match hinted at some uneven bounce early on. Seamers may find assistance with the new ball, but bowlers will need to be disciplined as the surface flattens out. Spinners who vary their pace and stick to tight lines may find more success than those seeking big turn.

The weather forecast for Dallas looks promising, with warm temperatures and clear skies expected on match day. That should ensure a full game without interruptions.

This venue has been a run-fest throughout the tournament, with an average first-innings total of 175. Impressively, 11 out of the 13 matches at this ground have featured team scores surpassing 200. San Francisco Unicorns hold the season record at this venue with 246/4—ironically against MI New York.

Toss Strategy: Bat First

Given the high-scoring nature of the ground, both captains will likely favor batting first to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition in a knockout match.

Prediction

Texas Super Kings have already beaten MI New York twice this season and head into this match with the more complete squad. Their top-order firepower, coupled with a deeper bowling lineup, makes them the favorites.

That said, MI New York are not to be underestimated. With match-winners like Pooran and Boult, they can swing momentum quickly. If they manage to dismiss du Plessis early and control the middle overs, MI could make it to the final the hard way.

While MI have battled their way into contention, Texas look sharper and more balanced. Expect them to take full advantage of the batting-friendly surface and secure their place in the MLC 2025 Final.

Prediction: Texas Super Kings