Los Angeles Knight Riders created history on Sunday by securing their maiden Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 title with a dramatic one-run victory over Washington Freedom in a nail-biting final at the Oakland Coliseum. Defending a modest target of 165, LAKR held their nerve in the closing stages to seal their first championship in the tournament’s history, with veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine starring in the title-winning performance.
Shah Rukh Khan Reacts as LA Knight Riders become MLC Champions
Bollywood superstar and Knight Riders Group co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was among the first to celebrate the historic achievement, congratulating the team on social media after the final. Sharing his excitement on X, Shah Rukh praised the players for fulfilling their ambition of winning the championship and highlighted the growing popularity of cricket in the United States.
“The LAKR stadium. The championship….cricket in America….awesome @SunilPNarine74 @Jaseholder98 @Russell12A and all of the team. Absolutely outstanding. You all said we are here to win not just participate….and u showed it. Love u all….Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo!” wrote SRK on X.
The LAKR stadium. The championship….cricket in America….awesome @SunilPNarine74 @Jaseholder98 @Russell12A and all of the team. Absolutely outstanding. You all said we are here to win not just participate….and u showed it. Love u all….Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo!
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 19, 2026
The post quickly drew widespread attention from cricket fans, with many applauding the Knight Riders Group’s continued success across franchise leagues. The famous slogan “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo” (We will perform, fight and win), synonymous with the Knight Riders brand, perfectly summed up the team’s triumphant campaign in MLC 2026.
LAKR hold nerve in a thrilling final
After Washington Freedom elected to bowl first, Los Angeles Knight Riders posted 164 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs. Andre Fletcher led the charge with a brisk 47 off 27 balls, while Colin Munro contributed 40 from 29 deliveries. Matthew Tromp‘s aggressive 39 off 21 balls proved crucial in lifting LAKR to a competitive total after the middle order stumbled.
Washington Freedom’s bowling attack shared the wickets, with Ben Dwarshuis returning figures of 3 for 31. Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary and Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets each to keep the Knight Riders from posting a bigger score.
In reply, Washington’s chase never truly settled as Narine ripped through the top order with a brilliant spell of 3 for 13, while Jason Holder matched him with figures of 3 for 31. Andries Gous scored 40 and Obus Pienaar nearly pulled off a stunning heist with a blistering 53 off just 24 balls, but the Freedom ultimately finished on 163 for 9, falling agonisingly short by one run.
