• San Francisco Unicorns pacer Liam Plunkett bowled a game changing delivery to dismiss Seattle Orcas opener Ryan Rickelton.

  • Plunkett was adjudged Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul.

WATCH: Liam Plunkett bowls a game changing delivery to castle Ryan Rickelton | MLC 2024, SFU vs SO
Ryan Rickelton, Liam Plunkett (PC: X)

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A riveting encounter unfolded at Church Street Park as the San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) secured a vital 23-run victory over the Seattle Orcas (SO) in the 13th match of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024. The match witnessed several pivotal moments, but none more significant than Liam Plunkett‘s exceptional delivery that dismissed in-form batter Ryan Rickelton.

Liam Plunkett’s masterful cutter to see-off Ryan Rickelton

Batting first, the Unicorns posted a competitive 165/7 in their allotted overs. Matthew Short anchored the innings with a composed 56, while Finn Allen provided a quickfire 34. However, the turning point arrived in the 8th over with the score at 58/1. The dangerous Rickelton, looking well-set on 29 (21 balls), attempted a big shot off Plunkett’s bowling. The experienced seamer produced a magical delivery – a deceiving cutter that angled away from the off-stump. Misjudging the movement, Rickelton missed the ball completely, and it hit the top of off, sparking jubilation in the Unicorns camp. This crucial wicket broke a potentially dangerous partnership and swung the momentum decisively in their favour.

Here’s the video:

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Plunkett’s bowling guide the Unicorns to victory

Cameron Gannon (3/26) was the pick of the Seattle bowlers, restricting the Unicorns from a bigger total. In reply, the Orcas’ chase faltered from the outset. Despite a valiant 54 from Shehan Jayasuriya, the required run rate proved too much.

Liam Plunkett continued his stellar performance with the ball, claiming another three wickets for just 26 runs, effectively shutting the door on any hopes of a Seattle comeback. His outstanding bowling figures (3/26), including the game-changing dismissal of Rickelton, rightfully earned him the Player of the Match award. This victory strengthens the Unicorns’ position in the league standings as they climbed up to the third place.

Meanwhile, Seattle Orcas’ third defeat in four games, left them at the bottom of the points table.

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ANIRUDH SINGH
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.