Steve Smith's Washington Freedom defeated the Texas Super Kings by one wicket in a thrilling MLC match on 29 Jun.

What happened?

The match was played at the Oakland Coliseum, with dozens of Socceroos fans in attendance, dressed in yellow.

The Freedom lost three wickets in the final over, but India-born Australian allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary hit the final ball for six to win.

Why it matters for Steve Smith

Steve Smith, the captain of Washington Freedom, was a key figure in the match, with his team's win showcasing the growth of cricket in the US.

MLC chief executive Johnny Grave said the league had recognised the potential interest from the thousands of travelling Socceroos fans and offered discounted tickets.

What comes next?

The win is expected to boost cricket's popularity in the US, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games set to feature cricket at the MLC's new facility in Pomona.

Grave sees cricket's growth following a similar path to football in the country, which grew after USA 1994 and the Women's World Cups in 1999 and 2003.

The MLC has been aided by the 2024 men's T20 World Cup, and the league is expected to continue to attract new fans.

Australian cricketer Peter Siddle, who plays for the San Francisco Unicorns, attended the match and said it was special to see so many Aussies supporting the team.

The Oakland Coliseum, formerly the home of the Athletics baseball team and the Raiders, was filled with the sound of cheering and flag waving.

The match was a testament to the dedication of cricket fans in the US, with many travelling from around the country to support their teams.

But the real star of the show was Nikhil Chaudhary, who hit the final ball for six to win the match for Washington Freedom.

And with the win, Steve Smith's team has cemented its place in the MLC, with a strong performance that will be remembered for a long time.

So the future looks bright for cricket in the US, with the MLC leading the charge and attracting new fans every day.

The league's growth is expected to continue, with more teams and players joining the competition in the coming years.

On 29 Jun, the Washington Freedom's win was a major talking point, with many praising the team's performance and the excitement of the match.

The MLC's new facility in Pomona is set to host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, which will feature cricket for the first time.

This will be a major boost for the sport, with the Olympics providing a global platform for cricket to showcase its talent and excitement.

And with Steve Smith and his team leading the way, the future of cricket in the US looks very bright indeed.

The Washington Freedom's win was a thrilling conclusion to a great match, with Nikhil Chaudhary's final-ball six a moment that will be remembered for a long time.

On 29 Jun, the Oakland Coliseum was filled with excitement and energy, as the Socceroos fans and cricket enthusiasts alike cheered on their teams.

The match was a great example of the growth of cricket in the US, with the MLC providing a platform for teams and players to compete and showcase their skills.

And with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games on the horizon, the future of cricket in the US is looking very exciting indeed.