Glenn Maxwell's Explosive Century Leads Washington Freedom to Victory

In a thrilling match in Oakland, Glenn Maxwell's explosive century led the Washington Freedom to a commanding victory over the Los Angeles Knight Riders. After a shaky start, Maxwell's aggressive batting turned the game around, securing a win by 113 runs. With this performance, he was named Player of the Match. As both teams prepare for their next games in Dallas, the Freedom looks to continue their winning streak against the Texas Super Kings, while the Knight Riders aim to end their losing run against the Seattle Orcas. Read on for a detailed match summary and highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2025, 14:39 IST

Maxwell's Heroics Propel Freedom to Win

In Oakland, on June 18, Glenn Maxwell delivered a stunning performance, scoring a rapid century off just 49 balls, as he led the Washington Freedom to a commanding victory over the Los Angeles Knight Riders. This win marks the second for the defending champions this season.

After the Freedom lost Ravindra in the opening over, Mitchell Owen (32 runs off 11 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes) and Gous quickly turned the tide, amassing 35 runs in the next two overs of the power play. However, the Knight Riders retaliated, dismissing both players in quick succession. With the pressure mounting, Mark Chapman and Jack Edwards attempted to stabilize the innings but struggled to score.

Following Edwards' dismissal, caught behind off a brilliant delivery from Tanveer Sangha (2/38), the responsibility fell on Maxwell to salvage the innings. Initially, he played cautiously, focusing on building a partnership with Chapman. However, after Chapman was dismissed at 92/5, Maxwell shifted gears.

The Australian star's first target was his compatriot Sangha, whom he hit for three consecutive sixes in the 14th over. After a quiet over from Jason Holder, Maxwell intensified his attack, smashing 10 sixes in the last five overs, ultimately reaching his first MLC century and ensuring Freedom surpassed the 200-run mark.

With a target of 209 to defend, the Freedom bowlers excelled. Saurabh Netravalkar opened the wickets column by dismissing Alex Hales, thanks to a spectacular catch by Obus Pienaar. Hales left without scoring, and both Sunil Narine and Unmukt Chand followed suit as the Knight Riders' top order crumbled. The only resistance came from a 35-run partnership between Saif Badar (32 runs off 31 balls, including six fours) and Jason Holder (23 runs off 16 balls, with three sixes), but it was insufficient against the formidable target set by Washington.

While Netravalkar and Adair set the tone, Mitchell Owen maintained the momentum from his batting, taking three wickets alongside Jack Edwards, ensuring the Knight Riders had no chance to recover.

Maxwell was rightfully named Player of the Match for his explosive century that turned the tide in favor of Washington.

As both teams prepare to head to Dallas after their games in Oakland, the Washington Freedom will face the Texas Super Kings this Saturday, while the Knight Riders will take on the Seattle Orcas on Sunday, aiming to break their losing streak.

Match Summary: Washington Freedom triumphed by 113 runs (with 21 balls to spare)

WSF: 208/5 (Glenn Maxwell 106*, Mitchell Owen 32, Tanveer Sangha 38/2, Corne Dry 33/2)

LAKR: 95/10 (Saif Badar 32, Jason Holder 23, Edwards 15/3, Owen 18/3, Netravalkar 6/2).