Atlanta Fire Crowned 2025 Minor League Cricket Champions After Thrilling Win Over Chicago Kingsmen

Atlanta Fire clinched their maiden Minor League Cricket title in style, defeating defending champions Chicago Kingsmen by five wickets in the 2025 Final at Church Street Park in Morrisville, NC.

A match-winning half-century from Aaron Jones and crucial support from Steven Taylor and Jahmar Hamilton powered the Fire to chase down 156 in 19.1 overs. Jones anchored the innings brilliantly under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 61 off 48 balls, laced with four sixes and two fours.

Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Sagar Patel and Taylor, Jones, alongside veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Hamilton, ensured the run chase stayed on track. Hamilton’s quickfire partnership of 39 runs off just 23 deliveries with Jones proved decisive, sealing Atlanta’s first-ever Minor League Cricket crown.

Earlier, Kingsmen captain Sayed Saad Ali chose to bat first, but the defending champions struggled to get going after Shakib removed Rameez Raja off the very first ball. The early blow and disciplined bowling from the Fire restricted Chicago to just 25 runs in the powerplay.

Opener Faraz Ali stood tall amid the pressure, crafting a resilient unbeaten 92 off 60 deliveries to anchor the Kingsmen innings. His 59-run stand with all-rounder Hassan Khan (23 off 19) lifted the side to a competitive 155/5 in 20 overs.

In the end, Atlanta Fire’s composed chase and Aaron Jones’ standout knock ensured redemption after their 2022 final heartbreak, delivering the franchise its long-awaited first title.