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| @ Matt Short greets the crowd after scoring a half-century vs TSK MLC2025 |
Match Overview and Context:
At Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas Super Kings lost the toss and the Unicorns invited TSK to batted first on June 21
Their innings was characterised by a spectacular century by Faf du Plessis (100 off 51 balls), but in the end, Unicorns batting pyrotechnics took centre stage
Final scorecard:
TSK: 198/5 of 20 overs
SFU: 202/3 off only 16.1 overs
Unicorns: 7 wicket victory in 23 balls
The win saw the Unicorns sitting at the top of the 2025 MLC table with a clean 4-0 record and Super Kings getting their first defeat
Texas Super Kings Innings: Lone Century by Du Plessis
Good beginning, a marvel du Plessis
- Faf du Plessis struck 100 runs in 51 balls with 6 fours and 7 sixes with a 196 Strike Rateanchoring in the total of his side.
- Devon Conway played a composed 23 runs out of 23 balls- swift on the crease but could not go faster
- An important association with Saiteja Mukkamalla (38 off 24 balls) boosted the intensity, but other batters failed to deliver
- Unicorns fightback with bowling
- Xavier Bartlett took 2/31 in 4 overs, and Haris Rauf was at par with 2/34, and temporarily crippled the flow
- The other bowlers (Couch, le Roux) all bowled at a high economy bowling which enabled the Super Kings to end well at 198/5
San Francisco Unicorns Chase: Power Unleashed
- Blasting Opening by Short & Allen
- The duo dismantled the opponent within 16.1 overs. Short made 61 of 29 balls (6x4, 4x6) and Finn Allen scored 78 of 35 balls (0x4, 8x6).
- Their batting position placed Unicorns at 117 with wicket falling, literally destroying the bowling attack of the Super Kings
- Finishing touches
- With Short (61 off 29) dismissed, Allen kept going, dismissed by Adam Milne on 78 and Jake Fraser‑McGurk (37 off 25) finished the job off.
- They wrapped up the win with 23 balls remaining which is a huge statement victory
The major turning points:
- Du Plessis Vs dual threat: After du Plessis kept the innings up, he did not receive the massive support, thus, Unicorns took the lead back
- Unicorns powerplay onslaught: Short and Allen made 83 in the powerplay- 83 off 6 overs- giving the chase in their hands
- Bowling discrepancies: TSK bowlers, except Bartlett and Rauf gave away runs in abundance in pursuit
- Late innings blitz: Fraser‑McGurk would not allow the tone to stop being aggressive and came in to play quick fire
Skills and Strategy Analysis
- The power of batting of unicorns:
- The Top 3 (Short, Allen, Fraser‑McGurk) were ruthless; they went on the offensive on the first ball.
- One of the fastest MLC chases was powered by the strike rate of 210 and 224 of Short and Allen respectively.
- The overs of TSK are over dependent on du Plessis:
- He was brilliant, but he did not always have consistent support: other batters were not able to change starts.
- The bowling of TSK was not in control; the field positions also appeared to be in pressure.
MLC implications
- Unicorns cannot be beaten Unicorns have won all 4 of their visits to Dallas, demonstrating how they adapt to the environment
- Super Kings fall to 3-1; this loss is a wakeup call to the aspect of chasing big scores.
Broader MLC 2025
- Unicorns leading MLC-2025 with an impressive 2.742 NRR having won all their 4 matches.
- Super Kings are also in the running strong (3-1), but their susceptibility against 20‑over totals has been revealed.
- The mid‑season is changing: T20 explosive batsmen are making it to the centre stage.
Future implications
- Macroeffects in MLC table
- TSK needs to improve bowling and needs to use more aggressive tactics in a match.
- Unless they are exposed in their hosting in Oakland, SFU will most probably remain dominant.
- Mental advantage in knock-outs
- Unicorns are winning with such confidence that they are instilling fear in the league.
Summary Table
Team Innings High Performer(s) Key Stats & Turning Point
TSK Batting Faf du Plessis (100 off 51), Total: 198/5; lost the game when du Plessis was out
SFU Batting Chase Short (61/29), Allen (78/35) Chased 199 in 16.1 overs- power dominance
Bowling Highlights SFU Bowlers Bartlett (2/31), Rauf (2/34) TSK pace attack failed to deliver in the run chase
Unicorn Strategy Chase Aggressive opening duo Electric powerplay- 83 runs in 6 opening overs
Player of Match Matthew Short 61 off 29 pivotal innings; made the difference inning Batted the anchor, established the rhythm of Allen's
Conclusion:
The 21 June 2025 final at Dallas was a lesson in T20 batting, with individual excellence (a century by du Plessis) as well as group effort (Unicorns chasing down the match). San Francisco Unicorns confirmed that they are a force to be reckoned with in MLC 2025 unstoppable momentum, clinical execution, smart team roles. In the meantime, Texas Super Kings remain intimidating but will need to restructure their support system involving such players as du Plessis.
The game provided action, explosions and cricketing style. The 23-ball cushion could not have been an accidental statistical advantage, it was a message. Both teams are now within tantalizing striking distance of the playoffs as the season goes on, let us see who will become Dallas the fortress like Unicorns… or who will learn to break them.
Brief Scores :
TSK Innings: 198/5 (20 overs) Faf du Plessis 100 off 51 Balls (6 Fours & 7 Sixes), Saiteja Mukkamalla 38 off 24 Balls (3 Fours & 2 Sixes)
SFU Bowling: Xavier Bartlett 2/32 (4 Overs), Haris Rauf 2/34 (4 Overs).
SFU Innings: 202/3 (16.1 Overs) Finn Allen 78 off 35 Balls (4 Fours & 8 Sixes), Matthew Short 61 of 29 Balls (6 Fours & 4 Sixes)
TSK Bowling: Adam Milne 1/24 (3 Overs), Mohd. Mohsin 1/29 (2 Overs)
Player of the Match: Matthew Short
Result: San Francisco Unicorns Won by 7 Wickets.
Tags:
SFU 4 win in a row