The final day of the 2025 Minor League Cricket playoffs wrapped up the Atlantic race in Morrisville as Atlanta Fire, despite falling short against New Jersey Stallions, advanced to the Championship Final thanks to their dominant earlier performances and superior net run rate that eclipsed a powerful performance by Baltimore Royals, who finished their campaign in emphatic fashion against New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers.
Here is how the last day of the playoffs unfolded at the Church Street Park:
Royals End Campaign On a High Note
Baltimore Royals ended their playoffs on a high with a commanding 94-run victory over NJ Somerset Cavaliers. After losing an early wicket, the Royals were steadied by Sharad Lumba (62 off 42) and Kunwarjeet Singh (57 off 43), who built a brilliant 95-run partnership for the second wicket. Their composed knocks set the platform, as Mohammad Mohsin (28* off 7) and Jaskaran Malhotra (29* off 12) smashed 55 runs in the final 15 balls to propel Baltimore to 210/5.
The Cavaliers faltered in response, bowled out for 116 in 16.2 overs, with Tanush Apte getting a three-wicket haul.
Player of the Match: Tanush Apte
Stallions Win, Fire Through to the Final
In an evening clash where stakes were relatively higher, New Jersey Stallions registered a spirited 19-run victory over Atlanta Fire, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the NRR deficit. Batting first, the Stallions got off to a flying start courtesy of a 49-run stand in 30 balls between Saiteja Mukkamalla (36 off 29) and Dominique Rikhi (25 off 18). However, they couldn’t build on that momentum, collapsing from 50/1 in 5.1 overs to 67/6 in 9.4, before eventually posting 134/9 in their 20 overs.
With the ball, left-arm seamer Stephen Wiig (22/3) led a disciplined effort as the Stallions restricted Atlanta to 115/9, sealing a consolation win. For the Fire, Sunny Patel (14/3) continued his remarkable run with the ball, but their batting lineup couldn’t find rhythm in the chase.
Despite the loss, Atlanta’s strong victories against Cavaliers and Royals earlier in the playoffs ensured they topped the Atlantic Conference table with a superior net run rate and qualified for the Championship Final.
Player of the Match: Stephen Wiig
Takeaways
- Atlanta Fire Qualify: Despite their defeat, Atlanta’s dominant net run rate ensured their passage to the Final. They’ll now look to redeem their 2022 heartbreak — when they finished runners-up — and go one step further this time as they face Chicago Kingsmen in the Championship Final.
- Stallions Fall Short: The best side of the league stage, the Stallions won all their games before the playoffs but stumbled at the wrong time. Though they won their last game, their heavy defeat to Baltimore ultimately proved costly.
- Royals Finish Strong: Although they ended up as second on the Atlantic Conference, Baltimore’s emphatic victory showcased the depth and balance in their lineup and provided a confident end to their campaign keeping their pride intact.
The Fight for the Title
In a fitting Grand Finale – Atlanta Fire, the in-form team of 2025, will look to redeem their 2022 loss and claim their first title, while defending champions Chicago Kingsmen chase back-to-back crowns in what promises to be a thrilling finish to the MiLC season.
Championship Final
Sunday, October 5, 6:00 PM (ET) – Atlanta Fire vs Chicago Kingsmen
Venue: Church Street Park, Morrisville, NC
Fans can watch the Championship Final live on the MLC Network YouTube Channel or click HERE to follow live scores.
