![Steve Smith, Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran [Source: MLC and X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784449775952_SteveSmithPooranandNarine.jpg?type=hq)
Steve Smith, Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran [Source: MLC and X]
Los Angeles Knight Riders finally ended their wait for Major League Cricket glory by defeating Washington Freedom in a thrilling one-run final on July 18 to lift their maiden MLC title.
The championship clash had everything, from brilliant bowling spells to a dramatic last-ball finish, with Sunil Narine and Jason Holder playing key roles in LAKR's memorable triumph.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the best performers across all six franchises can be seen to form the MLC 2026 Team of the Tournament. The XI features explosive batters, match-winning all-rounders and wicket-taking bowlers who consistently dominated throughout the season.
Let's take a look at the MLC 2026 Team of the Tournament.
Openers And Top Order: Mitchell Owen, Colin Munro, Andries Gous (wk), Matthew Short
Washington Freedom all-rounder Mitchell Owen earned his place after another sensational MLC campaign.
The Australian scored 427 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 197.68, including a stunning 155 and two half-centuries while opening for the team. He also contributed with the ball, claiming 12 wickets, making him one of the most impactful all-round performers of the tournament.
Alongside him is Colin Munro to open, who provided Los Angeles Knight Riders with consistency at the top throughout their title-winning season. The experienced New Zealander amassed 438 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 48.66, registering five half-centuries.
Andries Gous was the standout batter of MLC 2026 and finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer. The Washington Freedom wicketkeeper-batter accumulated 547 runs in 13 innings at an average of 45.58 and a strike rate of 165.25. His remarkable campaign included one century, three fifties, and 75 boundaries which makes him an ideal No. 3.
San Francisco Unicorns captain Matthew Short also enjoyed another outstanding all-round season. He scored 513 runs at an average of 64.12, including an unbeaten century and another fifty. Short also made a major impact with the ball, taking 17 wickets, underlining his impact as a premier all-rounder.
Also Read- Steve Smith’s MLC Success Is Fueling His Olympic Ambitions
Middle Order And All-Rounders: Nicholas Pooran, Steve Smith, Rachin Ravindra, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell (captain)
Representing MI New York, Nicholas Pooran showcased his destructive batting. The left-hander amassed 424 runs at 47.11, striking at 147.73, while registering one century and three fifties. He can be aggressive force in the Team of the Tournament as well.
Washington Freedom skipper Steve Smith completes the batting unit at No. 6 after scoring 399 runs in 13 matches at an average of 36.27. The Australian veteran struck one century and one fifty, guiding Freedom into the final with several composed knocks.
Rachin Ravindra enjoyed a brilliant all-round campaign despite playing only six matches. The New Zealand star scored 129 runs at a strike rate of 176.71 while also picking up 11 wickets at an outstanding average of 9.54, including best figures of 4/29, which earns him a place in the impactful all-rounder unit.
Veteran powerhouse Kieron Pollard makes the XI after another impactful season for MI New York. He scored 321 runs in 11 innings at an average of 40.12, registering one century and three fifties, while continuing to provide finishing power and leadership.
Leading the Team of the Tournament is Andre Russell, whose all-round brilliance proved vital for LAKR. Russell scored 140 runs while also taking 18 wickets, including a four-wicket haul. His ability to change matches with both bat and ball, combined with his experience in pressure situations, made him the ideal captain for this star-studded XI.
Bowlers: Sunil Narine and Ottneil Baartman
Tournament MVP Sunil Narine was the driving force behind Los Angeles Knight Riders' title-winning run. The mystery spinner claimed 18 wickets in 11 matches at a remarkable average of 11.33 and an exceptional economy rate of 4.74, while also contributing valuable runs at crucial moments. Hence, he will be a crucial spin leader in a gallery of pace and all-rounder stars.
Seattle Orcas fast bowler Ottneil Baartman completes the Team of the Tournament after an exceptional bowling season. The South African pacer picked up 18 wickets in just nine matches at an average of 13.72, including best figures of 4/33.
His accuracy with the new ball and effectiveness at the death made him one of the standout pace bowlers of MLC 2026 and will also lead the team of the tournament in the pace department.
MLC 2026 Team Of The Tournament- Mitchell Owen, Colin Munro, Andries Gous (wk), Matthew Short, Nicholas Pooran, Steve Smith, Rachin Ravindra, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell (c), Ottneil Baartman
Also Read- The Making of Mitchell Owen, T20 Cricket’s New All-Round Force
