By Tim Douglas 
San Francisco Unicorns Dominate LA Knight Riders in Comprehensive MLC Win
The San Francisco Unicorns continued their red-hot form in Major League Cricket 2025 with a commanding 32-run victory over the LA Knight Riders, fueled by a blistering innings from Jake Fraser-McGurk and a disciplined bowling display led by Xavier Bartlett and Haris Rauf.
The Unicorns’ top order exploded into action after losing Tim Seifert early in the innings. What followed was a batting spectacle as Fraser-McGurk and Finn Allen launched a merciless assault on the Knight Riders’ bowling attack. Their partnership of 121 runs in just 54 balls laid the foundation for a massive total.
Fraser-McGurk’s Fireworks Set the Tone
Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Australian star, looked unstoppable, smashing 88 off just 38 balls at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 231.5. His innings featured towering sixes and confident stroke play, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket.
Finn Allen, fresh off his record-breaking exploits, played the perfect foil, adding a quick-fire 52 and complementing Fraser-McGurk’s aggression with clean hitting of his own.
Middle-Order Support and Extras Help Unicorns Surge to 219
Though the Knight Riders pulled things back with some quick wickets in the middle overs—courtesy of Shadley van Schalkwyk’s 4/50—the Unicorns still found handy runs from the likes of Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Cooper Connolly, and Hassan Khan. A total of 13 extras from LA further helped San Francisco reach 219/8 in 20 overs.
Knight Riders Falter in the Chase
Chasing 220 was always going to be a tall task. While Unmukt Chand anchored the innings with a solid 53 off 32 balls and Matthew Tromp chipped in with 41, the lack of partnerships hurt LA’s chances.
San Francisco’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals. Xavier Bartlett was electric, taking 4 wickets for 28, while Haris Rauf added another 4-fer, maintaining relentless pressure and snuffing out any late hopes of a miracle.
The Knight Riders were bowled out for 187 in 19.5 overs, falling 32 runs short.
Statement Victory for Unicorns
This clinical performance solidifies the San Francisco Unicorns’ credentials as serious contenders this season. With both the bat and ball firing in unison, they’ve become one of the most balanced sides in MLC 2025.
Up next, the Unicorns prepare for a marquee clash against MI New York, while the Knight Riders regroup for their upcoming challenge against the Texas Super Kings.
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Anas Ahmed