With three matches left in the 2024 MLC – Major League Cricket, an interesting battle awaits between San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.
Both teams accumulated eleven points from seven matches with five wins and one loss during the league stages. This is a top of the table clash in MLC Qualifier and the winner will make it to the finals. The loser of the game will get another chance to face the winner of the Eliminator in the Challenger.
Let us quickly hover through the match prediction, head-to-head stats, pitch report and top players for the encounter. 
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Report
Batting in the second half has looked slightly easier in a few recent games of the MLC. However, the impact of a sensible batter at the venue is of utmost importance. The new ball gets lateral movement and the spinners get grip as well. But it’s important to assess the conditions quickly and adjust accordingly.
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 13
Matches won batting first: 6
Matches won bowling first: 7
Average 1st innings total: 164
Average 2nd innings total: 141
Highest total recorded: 206/5 by LAKR vs SO
Lowest total recorded: 106 by NEP vs NED
SFU vs WF Head-to-Head
Both teams have squared off twice in MLC history with the Freedom earning a solo win in the previous edition. The Unicorns outsmarted their upcoming opposition recently in a league match.
SFU vs WF Conditions-based Predictions
- Batters have been finding it difficult to score runs
- Pacers get new ball movement
- The spinners get good grip off the surfaces.
SFU vs WF Top Players Predictions
Finn Allen (SFU): The Kiwi batsman has been fantastic for the Unicorns. The opener has frequently provided the team with an early start and then converted those starts into massive scores. Allen is his team’s best run-scorer, with 186 runs from six innings and a strike rate of 200. He has also hit two fifties in the MLC 2024.
Steve Smith (WF): The former Australian captain has been in blistering form with the bat. Having racked up 247 runs from seven matches, Smith is the third-highest run-getter in this edition of the MLC. He averages 61.75 with the willow and a strike rate of 144.44 defines his approach at the top of the order.
Travis Head (WF): The explosive Australian opener maintained to make an impact with the bat following his great performances in the IPL 2024 and World Cup 2024. In the MLC 2024, Head has already scored 250 runs from seven innings at an average of 41.67. In addition, the southpaw has been striking the white cherry at 173.61.
SFU vs WF Hit or Miss Prediction
Matthew Short (SFU): The Australian all-rounder is in excellent form with the bat. He has frequently used quick starts to propel his team to a formidable total. Short has 170 runs in five innings with an impressive strike rate of 180.85. He can also turn up with finger spin and produce important breakthroughs.
SFU vs WF Local Players to watch out for
- Saurabh Netravalkar (WE)
- Jasdeep Singh (WF)
- Corey Anderson (SFU)
SFU vs WF Match Predictions
According to Parimatch, the opening stand of Travis Head and Steve Smith is likely to produce over 23.5 runs (1.85). They’re also likely to have a better opening stand (1.81) than their opposition. The Corey Anderson-led unit are likely to score below 120.5 (1.76) in 15 overs against a quality bowling lineup.
SFU vs WF Winner Predictions
On paper, the Freedom look like a better side but the way the Unicorns have performed in the league phase, it would be harsh to write them off. All in all, it is going to be a banger of a contest.
