The San Francisco Unicorns announced their arrival in style at the MLC 2025 season opener, posting a historic 269/5 in 20 overs — the highest team total in Major League Cricket history. Leading the charge was New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who unleashed mayhem with a jaw-dropping 151 off 51 balls, smashing a record 19 sixes and maintaining a strike rate of 296.08.
Allen found support from Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who added a rapid-fire 36, and Hassan Khan, who remained unbeaten on 38 in the death overs. The Unicorns’ batting lineup looked ruthless and well-coordinated, putting immense pressure on the defending champions.
In response, the Washington Freedom got off to a bright start, thanks to an 80-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra (42 off 17) and Mitchell Owen (39 off 20). However, their hopes were dashed as the middle order collapsed under relentless pace and spin pressure.
Haris Rauf (3/30) and Hassan Khan (3/38) ripped through the lineup, bundling out Freedom for just 146 in 13.1 overs.
With this emphatic 123-run win, the San Francisco Unicorns not only secure two crucial points but also send a strong warning to other teams in the league. Their balance, aggression, and depth make them early favorites in the MLC 2025 season.
Player of the Match: Finn Allen — 151 (51) | SR: 296.08 | 19 Sixes
