In a thrilling prelude to their upcoming Qualifier match, San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom showcased their batting strength in a rain-interrupted game at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. Despite posting 174 runs in just under 16 overs, Freedom faced their first defeat of the MLC2024 season due to a revised target of 177 set for the Unicorns in 14 overs after a lengthy rain delay. Sanjay Krishnamurthi's unbeaten 79 off 42 balls, supported by Josh Inglis (45 off 17) and Hasan Khan (32 off 11), guided the Unicorns to victory in 13.4 overs.
For Washington Freedom, Australian duo Steve Smith and Travis Head powered an explosive start, combining for a 101-run opening partnership in 9.4 overs. Smith's rapid 44 off 22 balls, including five fours and four sixes, set the pace before he was dismissed by Corey Anderson. Head then accelerated, hitting three sixes in four balls, but was caught at backward point attempting a cut shot off Anderson.
Andries Gous and Rachin Ravindra maintained the scoring momentum, adding 33 runs in the 13th and 14th overs. However, a run-out and heavy rain halted the innings midway through the 16th over, resulting in a 90-minute delay.
Upon resumption, officials set the Unicorns a target of 177 in 14 overs. San Francisco's chase began poorly, with Finn Allen bowled out by Akeal Hosein on the first ball. However, Krishnamurthi signalled his aggressive intent early, smashing a slog-swept six off his second delivery. Jake Fraser-McGurk added two boundaries in a 15-run first over.
Krishnamurthi, dropped on 13, capitalised on his reprieve, hitting Netravalkar for two boundaries in the fourth over and reaching 33 off 21 by the end of the sixth over, despite Fraser-McGurk's dismissal. He completed his half-century off 28 balls.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the ninth over when Inglis hit three consecutive sixes off Jack Edwards, adding 26 runs. Inglis continued his assault with two more sixes off Andrew Tye in the following over before being dismissed for 45 off 17 balls. With 55 runs needed from 24 balls, Krishnamurthi and Hasan Khan took control.
The pair plundered 22 runs off Tye’s third over, reducing the target to 22 off 12 balls. Krishnamurthi hit Netravalkar for a six, and Hasan followed with three consecutive boundaries. The Unicorns completed their remarkable chase with a series of singles.
Brief scores:
Washington Freedom 174/3 in 15.3 overs (Steve Smith 56, Travis Head 56; Corey Anderson 2-20) lost to San Francisco Unicorns 177/4 in 13.4 overs (Sanjay Krishnamurthi 79, Josh Inglis 45; Andrew Tye 3-41) by 6 wickets [DLS Method]