San Francisco Unicorns edged out Texas Super Kings by 10 runs in a thrilling MLC Challenger, securing their place in the final. Batting first, Unicorns posted a mammoth 200 runs in 20 overs, thanks to Finn Allen’s (101 off 53) scintillating knock. In response, despite valiant efforts from Devon Conway (62* off 38) and Joshua Tromp (56* off 36) Super Kings could only muster 190 runs in 20 overs.
Match Summary
- Toss: Faf du Plessis (TSK) won the toss and opted to field.
- San Francisco Unicorns Innings: 200/6 in 20 overs
- Finn Allen: 101 (53)
- Josh Inglis: 37 (25)
- Key Bowler: Noor Ahmad (3/27)
- Texas Super Kings Innings: 190/4 in 20 overs
- Devon Conway: 62* (38)
- Joshua Tromp: 56* (36)
- Key Bowler: Juanoy Drysdale (2/33)
Key Moments
Finn Allen’s Carnage
The Kiwi batter had failed to make an impact in his previous two MLC contests, but he went berserk in this match, helping his side secure a place in the summit clash. Allen went honkers and bonkers from the outset and tore apart the Super Kings’ bowlers. He produced a scintillating knock, contributing 101 runs off just 53 balls, including nine fours and five sixes. His pivotal knock in this crucial MLC clash helped the Unicorns reach the 200-run mark. 
Noor Ahmad’s Impressive Bowling
The Afghan player was the only bowler to trouble the Unicorns’ batters in this contest. Noor trapped Jake Fraser-McGurk (18 off 14) in the eighth over, breaking the 79-run opening stand. The left-arm spinner grabbed three wickets in his four-over quota and conceded just 27 runs – the only bowler in the TSK camp with an economy of under seven in this MLC contest.
Faf’s Rollicking Start
The Protea batter has been in great form in this MLC, and he continued his merry ways. Du Plessis pounced on the Unicorns’ bowlers from the get-go, providing a rollicking start for his side. The right-hander scored at a 200+ strike rate, contributing 45 runs off 22 balls, including seven fours and a six. His aggressive approach to batting helped the Super Kings post 77 runs in the powerplay.
Conway & Tromp’s Innings in Vain
After getting a solid start in the powerplay, the Super Kings lost three wickets in quick succession post-powerplay and were tottering at 90/4 in 9.5 overs. Devon Conway (62* off 38) and Joshua Tromp (56* off 36) paired up in the middle and started the rescue mission. The dynamic duo kept the run rate in check by scoring briskly in the latter half of the innings. They notched up their respective fifties in the process, but it went in vain as they failed to execute their shots properly in the last couple of overs, and the Super Kings fell 10 runs short of the Unicorns’ total in this crucial MLC match.
Implications and Future Prospects
The Super Kings were in a strong position during the powerplay, but their performance between the seventh and eleventh overs cost them the game as they lost three wickets and accumulated only 19 runs during this period. Du Plessis’ decision to bowl first backfired as they failed to grab wickets with the new ball, which allowed Allen to settle at the crease. Marcus Stoinis’ performance with the bat, contributing only 83 runs in 6 innings, was a significant disappointment for the Super Kings in this MLC.
It was a death track for bowlers, but Pat Cummins’ impressive performance in the final over helped the Unicorns come out on top. The Unicorns’ new-ball bowling needs improvement, and they will look to address this ahead of the summit clash. Haris Rauf has faltered miserably in this MLC, grabbing only 3 wickets in 8 innings. The Pakistani speedster will need to step up with the ball on the big occasion to help his side emerge victorious.
Upcoming Fixture
- Final: Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns, July 28 (local time)
Conclusion
San Francisco Unicorns storm into the grand finale of the second season of the MLC, while the Super Kings bow out of the tournament. The Unicorns will look to go all guns blazing in the summit clash and clinch their maiden MLC title. With MI New York already out of the tournament, this MLC season will see a new champion.
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