11000 fans were at the ground this evening and they witnessed a banger. It gives the perfect ending to a burgeoning tournament in the biggest country in the world. Thanks for joining here along the journey. Hope to see you again. For now, it's goodbye from me, Ekanth, Deiva, our scorers Ranjith and Sudeep, and everyone here from Cricinfo who help cover this tournament.

Deiva's Match Report: Los Angeles Knight Riders pull off last-ball win for first MLC title

The team's ready on the stage. Holder collects the trophy and raises it. The cheers are big, as are the smiles as the confetti bursts and floods the air around. Russell's down, and the entire team behind him raise their hands with him as he lifts the trophy. Bravo now has the trophy as the cameras come out for photos. Bravo and Watson are all smiles with the trophy in hand.

Jason Holder, LAKR captain: Credit to each individual for playing their part. Crowd came out and supported us. It started with one or two people and spread across the belief, Bravo helped a lot. Off the field, on the field, my message to the boys is to have fun. One of the best ways to enjoy is by winning. We picked momentum at the right time after a dip in the middle. Special thanks to the organisers and to Freedom. Special year in a new stadium. We've had tough times in the past, credit to each individual and the win is a testament to our hard work and belief.

Time for the players to get their medals

Sunil Narine, MVP: Words can't describe how I'm feeling, trying to embrace the moment. We struggled for three seasons. The team, support staff gelled together with plans and we executed to the best of our ability. No matter how much cricket you play, you have to put in the hours. Everyone bought in this year, which is amazing. Bowling in the powerplay was down to our crazy coach Bravo. You have to buy in and trust his experience. Thankfully it worked. Award means a lot to me, family members and support staff.

Andries Gous, Highest run scorer (547): Proud of myself. Thanks to support staff, father. Bittersweet at the moment. From the start, I felt I was batting well. At the end, it clicked and I just got going on a roll and kept going. The team's dear for the heart, motivated to win games for Washington Freedom.

Sunil Narine, Leading wicket-taker (Joint holder with 18 but his economy of 4.74 is by far the best)

Andries Gous, Domestic Player of the Tournament

Under-23 Player of the Tournament: Matthew Tromp: It's been an incredible season. We're lifting the title, it's awesome. I've got the best coaches, they've given incredible confidence. I started at 9 this season, and I felt ready when I got the opportunity. Biggest stage I've played on but kept things simple. Nervous when I walked out. Big crowd. Just tried to enjoy it and be grateful.

8:51pm: Time for the presentation

Amogh B.: "Electrifying feeling in the stadium, what a final! GGs LAKR!"

Steven Smith, Washington Freedom captain: Total was gettable. Thought we pulled it back nicely with the ball. Three wickets in the powerplay always hurts. Sunny's exceptional. But guys have showed great character. Not trying to overthink it against Narine, hard to get him away on a pitch like that. You'll struggle if you don't read him. Proud of the team. Have played really good cricket to make three finals. Credit should go down to LA tonight.

A final that deserved top billing. It was as juicy tactically as it was in terms of drama. Think Narine bowling three in the powerplay and taking Smith out with a ripper. Think Gous steering the innings along with Chaudhary before cashing in when Ali and Schalkwyk missed their mark. Narine had to be brought back, he was seen off, but Holder took two in the next over. The game seemed all but done when Gous fell. Then Pienaar created a clinical torrent. Such was his assault that it was 50/50 even when he fell in the final over.

Ali Khan: Much needed for the franchise. Overseas came in with the experience, locals pitched in. Hands still stitched, I was ready to go even last game but wasn't cleared. Lucky to be part of this occasion.

Sunil Narine: It's good, first three seasons were tough. Got on a winning spree. Total team effort. Thankful to God for blessing me with the skill and perform at the stage.

Andre Fletcher: Was saying to the guys that the injury I got was for a reason. Was praying and praying and I got here (pulls off a dance in the end)

Matthew Tromp: Bravo said we'll do it for the GOATS, Russell and Narine In the moment, just got under and took the catch. But was nervous at the start.

Andre Russell: Age is a number, experience is everything. We play well collectively as a team and deserve to celebrate. Every time I win for this franchise, I get teary eyed. Can't take it for granted when you play for over a decade. Another one for the family. Happy to celebrate with my brother here. Will be loud

Rovman Powell: It means everything. I've played for Knight Riders for many years, never won it. We planned and pulled it off.

Nagesh: "What an exciting Finals MLC2026 Same as last year. "

8:23pm: Schalkwyk and Hamilton both talk about keeping it simple. Hamilton about just taking the stumps out and not thinking about anything else, and Schalkwyk about bowling without worrying about the result. Not sure how he did it but he did.

Three to win, two for the super over. Will Schalkwyk risk a wide? Deep fielders on the ropes. Freedom can look for two. Lots of waiting. It'll be over now!

Conference among the bowling team. Stays around

Hat-trick ball. Will Lockie go for the single or go big?

LAKR back with the advantage.

Schalkwyk has 14 to defend. Around

Time taken off again. Over the wicket

Around

Zain: "@Josh - That is why they needed those wickets so bad. 29 from 12 with Ali Khan and van Schalkwyk to bowl - 50/50?"

Time taken off

Schalkwyk, from around

Essentially a free hit

Russell to bowl out now. Around. Death overs begin