San Francisco Unicorns edge out Texas Super Kings by 10 runs in thrilling penultimate match of 2024 Major League Cricket

In Dallas, TX, On July 27, 2024,  the San Francisco Unicorns secured a 10-run victory over the Texas Super Kings in a thrilling match at Grand Prairie Stadium, marking the penultimate game of the 2024 Cognizant Major League Cricket season.

Match Summary

Texas Super Kings vs San Francisco Unicorns, Challenger

Texas Super Kings 190/4 (20 ov)

San Francisco Unicorns 200/6 (20 ov)

San Francisco Unicorns won by 10 runs.

SCORECARD  

 

Match Analysis

The San Francisco Unicorns posted a challenging total of 200/6, thanks to a vital innings from Finn Allen (101) that set the stage for a thrilling chase where the Texas Super Kings fell just short at 190/4. Following the day’s result, the Texas Super Kings will take on the Washington Freedom on Sunday.

Finn Allen's explosive 101 off 53, including nine boundaries and five sixes, set the tone for the Unicorns. Allen's aggressive play during the powerplay provided the Unicorns with the momentum they needed, bringing them to a powerplay score of 66/0. Despite Noor Ahmed’s quick wickets of Jake Fraser ‘McGurk (18) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (0), Josh Inglis added a crucial 37 from 25 deliveries to support Allen through the innings. Finn Allen’s exploits included a 16 run over of Marcus Stoinis on two occasions, the second and the 13th over, and an 18 run over of Zia Ul Haq, comprising two consecutive sixes.

Hassan Khan’s quick 27 off 15 balls, was also vital in propelling the Unicorns to the 200-run mark. For the Texas Super Kings, Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler, capturing key wickets and finishing with figures of 3/27.

In response, the Texas Super Kings opened the batting strongly with Devon Conway (62*) leading the pursuit. Pushing the pace of the innings, Conway’s knock came in just 38 balls. The New Zealander struck four fours and two sixes in an innings where he did not see enough of the strike. Faf du Plessis contributed a brisk 45 off 22, but his dismissal derailed the Texas Super Kings’ momentum. While middle-order contributions from Aaron Hardie (19), Milind Kumar (2) and Marcus Stoinis (1) were lacking, Joshua Tromp scored a breezy 56 from 36 balls, and kept the Super Kings in the hunt until the final over.

Conway brought up his half century in only 30 balls, whereas Tromp powered his way to the milestone in 31 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes.

The match came down to the wire in the last five overs with the Texas Super Kings needing 64 runs. With the dangerous Conway and Tromp at the crease, Haris Rauf and Pat Cummins held their nerves for the San Francisco Unicorns, delivering tight overs under pressure. Cummins was pivotal in the 20th over, conceding only 7 runs when 18 were needed, showcasing experienced death bowling that ensured a Unicorns' victory.  Juanoy Drysdale emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the innings with figures of 2/33.

Match Stats

San Francisco Unicorns Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Jake Fraser McGurk - 7.1 ov), 2-79 (Sanjay Krishnamurthi - 7.3 ov), 3-149 (Finn Allen - 13.4 ov), 4-152 (Sherfane Rutherford - 14.5 ov), 5-186 (Josh Inglis - 18.1 ov), 6-199 (Corey Anderson - 19.5 ov)

Texas Super Kings  Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Faf du Plessis - 4.2 ov), 2-84 (Aaron Hardie - 7.5 ov), 3-87 (Milind Kumar - 8.4 ov), 4-90 (Marcus Stoinis - 9.5 ov)

 

Playing XI

Texas Super Kings 

• Devon Conway(WK)
• Joshua Tromp
• Milind Kumar
• Faf du Plessis(C)
• Aaron Hardie
• Marcus Stoinis
• Calvin Savage
• Mohammad Mohsin
• Zia-ul-Haq
• Noor Ahmad
• Ottniel Baartman

San Francisco Unicorns 

• Josh Inglis(WK)
• Finn Allen
• Jake Fraser McGurk
• Sherfane Rutherford
• Corey Anderson(C)
• Hassan Khan
• Sanjay Krishnamurthi
• Haris Rauf
• Carmi le Roux
• Pat Cummins
• Juanoy Drysdale

 

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024 01:30

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas

Toss: Texas Super Kings elected to bowl