In three weeks of rigorous action, the 2024 MLC – Major League Cricket reached its ultimate destination with two teams battling out for the gold. Washington Freedom (WF) and San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) will be squaring off against one another in the final at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.
After topping the group stages with eleven points from seven matches, the Freedom beat Unicorns in MLC Qualifier 1 to reach the finals. However, the Unicorns made a strong comeback after the setback by defeating Texas Super Kings and making to the grand finale. This will be their third match against the Washington-based side this season.
Ahead of the crucial fixture, let us quicky go through the match prediction, head-to-head, pitch report, and top players revolving around the contest. 
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Report
The batters have scored runs when they’ve shown positive intent. However, it is very important to be watchful and smart with stroke selections. There’s decent assistance for the pacers, and the slower ones stick to the surface. However, it is worth noting that the spinners are getting more grip and assistance than the pacers at this juncture of the competition.
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 15
Matches won batting first: 7
Matches won bowling first: 9
Average 1st innings total: 165
Average 2nd innings total: 143
Highest total recorded: 206/5 by LAKR vs SO
Lowest total recorded: 106 by NEP vs NED
SFU vs TSK Head-to-Head
The two teams have squared off thrice in MLC history and the Freedom have a couple of wins with the Unicorns earning a solitary.
SFU vs TSK Conditions-based Predictions
- The second innings is now easier to bat in.
- The wickets have been giving spinners a lot of purchase.
- The first innings are usually successful for the bowling team.
SFU vs TSK Top Players Predictions
Travis Head (WF): The Aussie icon is the second-highest run-getter of the MLC with 327 runs from eight matches. He has been offering solid starts to the team at the top of the order and often surpasses the fifty-run mark. Head averages 52.50 in MLC 2024 with a strike rate reading 173.94.
Steve Smith (WF): The former Australian captain has been a revelation in the T20 format since the recent World Cup snub. In the ongoing MLC, he has amassed 248 runs from eight matches at an average of 49.60 and a strike rate of 142.53. Smith would look for one last big knock to help his side surpass the finishing line.
Hassan Khan (SFU): The three-dimensional player has been consistently batting and bowling. Despite the loss to the Freedoms, he hit a fifty in the previous game. With an average of 41, Hassan has scored 191 runs in seven innings of 2024 MLC. At 140.44, he has been striking the white cherry with disdain. The all-rounder may also pick wickets in crucial stages of the contest.
SFU vs WF Hit or Miss Prediction
Finn Allen (SFU): The Kiwi is one of the most destructive batters in the format right now. He smashed a century in their recent MLC clash against TSK, helping the side reach the finals. Apart from this, Allen scored a couple of fifties in the league as well. Currently, he is the third-highest run-getter of the tournament.
SFU vs WF Local Players to watch out for
- Jasdeep Singh (WF)
- Sanjay Krishnamurthy (SFU)
- Corey Anderson (SFU)
SFU vs TSK Match Predictions
According to Parimatch, the opening stand of Travis Head and Steve Smith are likely to have an opening stand of over 25.5 (1.85) runs. In addition, the total wickets in the game could be less than 12.5 (1.94). The Unicorns ten overs score will likely be less than 86.5 (1.76).
SFU vs TSK Winner Predictions
The Freedom have more match-winners and are likely to emerge as the champions. However, the Unicorns could be good on a particular day and outclass any side.
