The Los Angeles Knight Riders made history on Sunday, clinching their first Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 championship following a thrilling one-run victory over Washington Freedom at the Oakland Coliseum. Defending a competitive target of 165, LAKR demonstrated immense composure in the final overs to secure the title, bolstered by a standout performance from veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine.
Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates LA Knight Riders’ MLC Victory
Knight Riders Group co-owner and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan was among the first to celebrate the milestone, taking to social media to congratulate the squad. In a post on X, Shah Rukh lauded the players for realizing their championship ambitions and noted the rising prominence of cricket within 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 announcement resonated deeply with cricket enthusiasts, many of whom praised the Knight Riders Group for their sustained excellence across global franchise leagues. The team’s triumph was encapsulated by the iconic Knight Riders slogan, “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo” (We will perform, fight, and win), which defined their successful 2026 campaign.
LAKR Prevail in High-Stakes Final
After choosing to bowl first, Washington Freedom restricted Los Angeles Knight Riders to 164 all out in 19.4 overs. Andre Fletcher provided the momentum with a rapid 47 from 27 balls, supported by Colin Munro‘s 40 off 29. Matthew Tromp also played a vital role, contributing a quick-fire 39 off 21 balls to help LAKR reach a defendable total despite a mid-innings lull.
The Washington Freedom bowling unit remained disciplined, led by Ben Dwarshuis, who took 3 for 31. Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, and Rachin Ravindra each claimed two wickets to limit the Knight Riders’ scoring potential.
The chase remained tense as Sunil Narine dismantled the top order with clinical figures of 3 for 13. Jason Holder provided excellent support, finishing with 3 for 31. While Andries Gous contributed 40 and Obus Pienaar nearly secured a miraculous comeback with a rapid 53 off 24 balls, Washington Freedom finished on 163 for 9, narrowly losing the championship by a single run.
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