Washington Freedom vs Los Angeles Knight Riders, MLC 2023, Today Match Prediction 21 July 2023

waf vs lakr Match Prediction & Analysis

Los Angeles Knight Riders have lost all three matches they have played so far in Major League Cricket 2023, and are languishing at the bottom of the table with zero points. With just two matches remaining, they have a herculean task ahead of them to make a comeback. They next clash against Washington Freedom at Church Street Park in Morrisville on Friday. Washington Freedom haven’t had the greatest start to the season either and are in 5th place in the table with two points after two games. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Washington Freedom Preview

Washington Freedom have lost one and won one match so far. After losing their opening game to Seattle Orcas, they made a comeback in their next encounter versus Texas Super Kings, winning the nail-biting match by 6 runs. 

Opener Matthew Short showed how good he can be at the top with his knock of 80 off 50 balls against Texas Super Kings. The Australian batter is an experienced first-class cricketer and is a valuable asset to the team. 

Glenn Phillips hasn’t gotten going so far in the tournament, but the Kiwi batter is one of the hardest hitters of the ball in world cricket at the moment. We are backing him to play an impactful knock in this game. 

Captain Moises Henriques (45 runs in 2 matches at a strike rate of 104) will provide solidity to the middle-order, which lacks experience. He may not get a huge score, but should do well to keep the innings together.

Washington Freedom’s bowling attack is what makes them dangerous. Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje are both genuine wicket-taking fast bowlers who can trouble the best. Jansen has taken 3 wickets in 2 matches at an economy of 7.95. Another bowler to watch out for is left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who has taken 3 wickets in 2 matches at an economy of 7.50.

Washington Freedom Predicted Playing XI:

Matthew Short, Mukhtar Ahmed, Andries Gous (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Obus Pienaar, Marco Jansen, Glenn Phillips, Dane Piedt, Anrich Nortje, Saurabh Netravalkar, Akeal Hosein

Washington Freedom Actual Playing XI:

Saurabh Netravalkar, Anrich Nortje, Akeal Hosein, Matthew Short, Marco Jansen, Glenn Phillips, Obus Pienaar, Andries Gous, Mukhtar Ahmed, Moises Henriques, Dane Piedt

Los Angeles Knight Riders Preview

After losing all three of their games, Los Angeles Knight Riders now would need massive luck going their way if they want to make it to the top four. They are coming off a 21-run loss against San Francisco Unicorns, where they ended up with 191-5 in a chase of 213. 

The Knight Riders have themselves to blame as they refuse to allow their best batters to bat high up in the order. The likes of Nitish Kumar shouldn’t be batting at No.3 as he ends up eating up too many balls, which is costing them badly. The experienced Rilee Rossouw should take that position. We believe that doing so will help provide them with the stability they need to build their innings. 

Andre Russell (99 runs from 3 matches at a strike rate of 150) has been their best batter, but is batting too low at No.6. Moving him one place above will allow him to play longer and inflict more damage. 

Jason Roy impressed with an attractive 45 off 21 balls in his first match of the season. Roy can be a game-changer for the team if he gets going.

In the bowling department, leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been a superstar for the Knight Riders, picking up 6 wickets in 3 matches at an economy of 8.63. Lockie Ferguson is another to watch out for. The Kiwi speedster has been accurate with his line and lengths and has taken 3 wickets in 2 matches at an economy of 7.50. 

Los Angeles Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI:

Jason Roy, Unmukt Chand, Rilee Rossouw, Nitish Kumar, Jaskaran Malhotra (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine (c), Corne Dry, Adam Zampa, Ali Khan, Lockie Ferguson

Los Angeles Knight Riders Actual Playing XI:

Rilee Rossouw, Nitish Kumar, Sunil Narine, Jason Roy, Corne Dry, Jaskaran Malhotra, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Unmukt Chand, Ali Khan, Andre Russell

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The Church Street Park pitch in Morrisville is a true sporting wicket, providing equal opportunities for batsmen and bowlers alike. Pacers, in particular, have excelled at this venue. We suggest you peck your side with quality fast bowlers as they are likely to do well here.

The weather in Morrisville during the match will be clear but very warm.

Venue Details

This will be the first match of the season to be played at Church Street Park. The average 1st innings score at this venue in is in the range of 160 runs. The pitch should be nice and hard and the team batting first should target a total of around 180 runs to feel safe.

Toss: To Bat

The teams batting first have found better success in this tournament. Although this is a new venue, we expect it to behave in similar fashion. The team winning the toss is likely to bat first in this game.