• Matthew Short powered San Francisco Unicorns to a dominant win over MI New York in MLC 2025.

  • San Francisco Unicorns posted a record total of 246 on the scoreboard.

HIGHLIGHTS: San Francisco Unicorns register dominant victory over MI New York in MLC 2025
Matthew Short (PC: X)

Table of Contents

The Grand Prairie Stadium witnessed an electrifying display of T20 cricket on Monday, as San Francisco Unicorns continued their impressive run in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, defeating MI New York by a significant margin of 47 runs in Match 14. This high-scoring encounter, rich with explosive batting and crucial breakthroughs, solidified the Unicorns’ position as a formidable force in the tournament.

MI New York’s captain won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed strategically sound given the venue’s history. However, the San Francisco Unicorns’ batting lineup had other plans, launching an immediate and relentless assault that left the MI New York bowlers reeling and set the stage for a record-breaking total.

San Francisco Unicorns’ batting masterclass

San Francisco Unicorns’ innings was nothing short of spectacular, spearheaded by an exceptional performance from opener Matthew Short. Walking out to bat, Short displayed incredible aggression and precision from the outset, dismantling the MI New York bowling attack with ease. His innings of 91 runs off just 43 deliveries was a testament to his power-hitting ability, decorated with a remarkable 9 fours and 5 towering sixes that sailed into the stands. Short’s blistering start provided the perfect platform, setting a scorching pace for the innings.

Adding to MI New York’s woes, Jake Fraser-McGurk joined the party, matching Short’s intensity with a breathtaking cameo. Fraser-McGurk hammered 64 runs off a mere 26 balls, an innings characterized by its sheer brutality, including 1 four and a staggering 7 sixes. The duo’s partnership was a spectacle of fearless hitting, propelling the Unicorns’ score at an astonishing rate.

Even after their departures, the momentum didn’t wane. Sanjay Krishnamurthy played a vital supporting role, contributing a brisk 27 runs off 16 balls with 2 sixes, maintaining the pressure. The innings was then given a sensational flourish by Hassan Khan, who unleashed a stunning 31 runs off just 9 deliveries, striking 4 fours and 2 sixes, pushing the San Francisco Unicorns to a mammoth 246 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

For MI New York, the bowling unit faced an uphill battle against such an onslaught. While Kieron Pollard managed to secure 2 wickets for 31 runs from his 3 overs, showcasing his experience in a tough situation, and Naveen ul Haq claimed a solitary wicket, the other bowlers struggled immensely to contain the flow of runs. Nosthush Kenjige (1/47) and Trent Boult (0/44) found themselves under severe pressure, underscoring the dominance of the Unicorns’ batting.

MI New York’s gallant chase falls short

Faced with a colossal target of 247, MI New York needed an extraordinary effort, and their openers, Quinton De Kock and Monank Patel, responded with immense courage and skill. De Kock, known for his attacking style, crafted a fluent 70 runs off 46 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. He found an equally aggressive partner in Monank, who played a significant innings of 60 runs off 33 deliveries, including 10 fours and a crucial six.

Their partnership provided a glimmer of hope, keeping MI New York in the hunt during the powerplay and early middle overs.

However, the immense pressure of the chase began to take its toll. Once the opening stand was broken, the subsequent batsmen found it difficult to maintain the astronomical required run rate. Nicholas Pooran, typically a destructive force, struggled to accelerate, managing only 15 runs from 17 balls.

Despite Kieron Pollard’s late charge, where he scored a quickfire 34 runs off 16 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), the task proved too formidable. MI New York ultimately fell short, finishing their innings at 199 for 6 in 20 overs, succumbing to the pressure of the chasing such a high score.

San Francisco Unicorns’ bowlers, despite conceding a high number of runs, delivered key breakthroughs when it mattered. Xavier Bartlett and Romario Shepherd were particularly effective, each picking up 2 crucial wickets to disrupt MI New York’s chase. Haris Rauf and Liam Plunkett also contributed with a wicket each, ensuring the Unicorns maintained control throughout the second innings.

The comprehensive 47-run victory highlighted the San Francisco Unicorns’ exceptional form and their depth in batting. Matthew Short’s outstanding all-round contribution, particularly his destructive batting, earned him the Player of the Match award.

Also WATCH: Fan steals the show with one-handed screamer as Washington Freedom edge past Texas Super Kings in MLC 2025

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Featured Major League Cricket Matthew Short MI New York San Francisco Unicorns Video

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
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.