MLC 2025: Washington Freedom Topples San Francisco Unicorns, Mitchell Owen's Five-Wicket Haul Seals Victory and Ends Unicorns' Winning Streak

Washington Freedom Stuns San Francisco Unicorns, Ending Their Winning Run in MLC 2025

Mitchell Owen of Washington Freedom celebrates getting the wicket of Brody Couch of San Francisco Unicorns during match 19 of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 3 between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns held at the Grand Prairie cricket stadium, Grand Prairie, United States of America (USA). (Sportzpics)

The San Francisco Unicorns' previously unblemished record in MLC 2025 met its end on Saturday, despite the team still maintaining the top spot in the points table, thanks to their superior net run rate. The Washington Freedom emerged victorious by 12 runs, largely due to a remarkable five-wicket performance from Mitchell Owen.

Chasing a target of 170, Unicorns' captain Matthew Short continued his impressive form. Although he lacked substantial support initially from Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Unicorns managed to reach 52 for 1 during the powerplay.

Later, Sanjay Krishnamurthi provided some stability, but the chase faltered after Short's dismissal in the 11th over. He scored a dominant 67 out of the team's total of 97. With 73 runs still needed, the Unicorns' middle order seemed poised to take control.

However, Mitchell Owen seized the moment. He removed Short in his very first over and swiftly followed up by dismissing Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd in consecutive balls. Wickets taken by Jack Edwards and Ian Holland further contributed to the Unicorns' collapse, leaving them at 113 for 7 by the 16th over.

Owen returned in the 19th over to dismantle the tailenders, Haris Rauf and Brody Couch, culminating in exceptional figures of 5 for 17.

Despite a valiant effort from Jahmar Hamilton, who scored an unbeaten 31 off 18 balls, Saurabh Netravalkar held firm, conceding only 14 runs in the final over to secure the Freedom's victory.

Earlier in the match, the Freedom faced early setbacks after electing to bat. They were struggling at 13 for 3 within the first three overs, largely due to a fiery spell from Xavier Bartlett, who dismissed Owen, Rachin Ravindra, and Andries Gous.

Glenn Maxwell's dismissal added to their woes, but Jack Edwards and Glenn Phillips stabilized the innings with a 71-run partnership off 64 balls. Phillips then accelerated the scoring during a 31-run stand with Obus Pienaar in just 12 deliveries. After Phillips departed for a well-played 58 off 39 balls, Pienaar finished strong with an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls, supported by Mukhtar Ahmed.

Both teams now share six wins in seven matches. However, the Unicorns hold a significant advantage in net run rate: 2.016 compared to Washington’s 0.603.

Brief Scores:

Washington Freedom: 169/6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 58, Jack Edwards 42, Obus Pienaar 30*; Xavier Bartlett 32/4, Romario Shepherd 28/1)

San Francisco Unicorns: 157/9 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 67, Jahmar Hamilton 31*, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 24; Mitchell Owen 17/5, Ian Holland 23/1, Amila Aponso 23/1)