The competition to take the lead in franchise T20 cricket around the globe has intensified. The MI Family proudly holds the title of the most successful IPL franchise network, boasting an impressive 13 global T20 championships. Meanwhile, the Knight Riders Family has made significant strides, now totaling 10 trophies after the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) clinched the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) title. On July 18, 2026, at the Oakland Coliseum in California, LAKR triumphed over the Washington Freedom by just one run in a nail-biting final, securing their first MLC championship. This victory also marked the Knight Riders group’s 10th global T20 trophy.
The two IPL franchise groups have built strong global cricket networks over the years. The MI Family’s collection includes five IPL titles, two Champions League T20 crowns, two Women’s Premier League trophies, two MLC titles with MI New York, one ILT20 title and one SA20 title. Meanwhile, the Knight Riders Family now owns three IPL titles, five CPL titles, one Women’s CPL trophy and one MLC championship, taking its overall tally to 10.
Los Angeles Knight Riders Seal Maiden MLC Title By 1 Run
The Los Angeles Knight Riders pulled off one of the most thrilling finishes in Major League Cricket history, defending a total of 164 runs against the Washington Freedom to clinch victory by just a single run. After Washington opted to field first, LAKR found themselves bowled out for 164 in 19.4 overs. Andre Fletcher set the tone with a brisk 47 off 27 balls, while Colin Munro added 40 from 29. Matthew Tromp chipped in with a crucial 39 off 21 after Andre Russell was dismissed without scoring. On the bowling side, Ben Dwarshuis shone with figures of 3/31, and Rachin Ravindra (2/23), Mitchell Owen (2/14), and Nikhil Chaudhary (2/32) took care of the rest.
In response, the Washington Freedom faced early trouble as Sunil Narine wreaked havoc on the top order, claiming 3/13 by taking out Mitchell Owen, Steven Smith, and Rachin Ravindra. Captain Jason Holder backed him up with 3/31, leaving Washington in a tough spot at 109/6 in the 16th over. But then, Obus Pienaar sparked a comeback with a blistering 53 off just 24 balls, smashing three fours and five sixes, which brought the target down to 14 runs needed from the final over.
The last over was a rollercoaster. Pienaar launched the first ball for six, but then Shadley van Schalkwyk struck back, dismissing him with a yorker and following up by getting Ian Holland on the very next delivery. Lockie Ferguson kept the hope alive with a boundary, but they found themselves needing three runs off the last ball. In a dramatic twist, Lahiru Milantha was run out while trying to take a second run after wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton executed a perfect dismissal, sealing a nail-biting one-run victory. Narine, who was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, capped off an unforgettable night as the Knight Riders celebrated their 10th global T20 title.
