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| @Bartlett and Allen celebrate after effecting a run-out off the last ball vs TSK in MLC2025 |
Match Context & Build‑Up:
The 25th match of Major League Cricket 2025 was a match between SFU and TSK which was played at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. The captain of TSK Faf du Plessis decided to field after the toss, hoping to gain pressure with the ball early on.
TSK entered the match with the form on their side since they were equal on the league points at 12 points with SFU and only had a better net run rate than them
It was a virtual knock-out between the two teams that were battling to secure the best two positions.
SFU's Innings: A Strategic 148/6
The innings of SFU started in a shaky way and they reduced to 19/3 in powerplay. This was however when Matthew Short (Australia) combined with Hassan Khan (Pakistan) to plot a masterclass. Their eighth‑wicket stand added 50 runs in 31 balls to stop the rot
- Matthew Short, who was out on 80 off 63 balls, smashed his half-century with three sixes and two boundaries- striking at almost 127
- Hassan Khan made an important contribution of 40 runs off 25 balls, making crucial partnerships with Short
This late-innings fly of SFU took them to 148/6 in their quota--a respectable score on the tacky pitch
TSK's Chase: Ferreira's Heroics & Heartbreak:
The chase by TSK was not steady at all as they lost vital wickets during the power play
However, Donovan Ferreira proved to be an effective force as he smashed 39 off 20 balls (SR ~195%), giving TSK a chance of winning.
His brisk stroke play which included two sixes and three fours kept TSK within striking distance. Shubham Ranjane also contributed with a quickfire 28 off 27 balls as he partnered up well with Ferreira to have a late flourish
That is when the bowlers of SFU came up decisively:
- In the 18th over, Romario Shepherd removed Ferreira and Ranjane, and the momentum was restored
- Xavier Bartlett kept his cool in the last over, and Matthew Short who had got the runs earlier completed the task with a magnificent run-out of Mohammad Mohsin at the end of 19.6 overs, winning the game for SFU.
Important Statistics and Turning Points
- Comparative Powerplay SFU 25/3; TSK 31/2
- Highest Partnerships: Short, Khan (69 in 44) and Ferreira, Ranjane (55 in 30)
- Bowling feats: Marcus Stoinis (3/32) was the top bowler of TSK; Brody Couch (2/26) of SFU, Shepherd, Khan, and Gore took a wicket apiece
Short termed the pitch as tacky and it favoured bowlers who had variable bounce, he said anything over 130 might be considered a competitive total
Player Reactions & Moments
- Player of the Match Matthew Short:
It was tacky anything over 130 will be good to defend bowlers did great work.
His coolness in trying and in the field (the important run-out) was match- winning attitude.
- Faf du Plessis:
There was good bowling by bowlers.Difficult to play in the powerplay. Should of crossed the line.”
He complained the early Wicket losses were taking away the momentum but he was appreciative of the bowlers that kept the SFU in check.
Strategic Choices and Tactical Combat
- The recovery by SFU was also through intelligent batting- Short and Khan timed their batting to offset early crashes. They could lift the pace during the middle overs, and this relieved the end overs .
- The choice of TSK to Fields first did not seem to fare well, due to initial wickets. However, the minimal underrating of the cooperation between Short and Khan turned out to be deadly.
- Captaincy and field placements by SFU and particularly the coordination of the final over was well planned and implemented.
Cricketing Drama Spectacle:
In this match there was every feature of a cricket drama:
- Early Wicket Scares: Both teams lost wickets early but became strong with the help of partnerships.
- Middle Overs Momentum Shifts: The 69-run partnership between SFU and the 55-run counter by TSK were proofs of depth and character.
- Death-Over Nail-biter: Final over Nicole sawing, every run and dot ball has been intensified in pressure.
- Game‑Defining Run‑Out: Mohsin did not simply run out, but this was the symbolic sign of hunger and fielding ability of SFU.
- Bowler Duel: Shepherd struck at the right moment with his wickets and Couch took two wickets in two balls but his contribution was as vital as any batting superstar.
Bigger Picture: The Momentum of SFU & Standings of TSK
- This win by SFU provided much needed momentum to the team which was now in playoff contention after 2 straight losses .
- TSK, which had been pipped by net run rate in the past, require a good final group game to be placed. They would be regretting lost chances due to their spectacular run chase.
Conclusion and Why It Matters:
1-run win by the San Francisco Unicorns over Texas Super Kings on July 4 was much more than a win because it was a statement of resilience, depth of strategy, and mental toughness. In T20 cricket, there are usually fine margins and the game provided what T20 is all about fast starts, nerve tingling finishes, and overs that can win you a game.
- To SFU this win is hopeful and confidence going into the knock-outs.
- To TSK, it is a lesson on finishing it under pressure and turning starts into victories.
The game will go down as one of the most exciting matches of the season- a tight game of skill, tactics and composure that had a bearing on the tournament experience of both clubs.
In short: On 4 July 2025, the Unicorns survived premature batting collapses, established middle‑over partnerships and kept their composures in a final over thriller to record a memorable 1‑run victory. The result was characterized by the all-round performance of Matthew Short and strike bowling of Shepherd. An unforgettable game, which predetermined a thrilling finish of MLC.
Brief Scores :
SFU innings: 148/6 (20 Overs) Matthew Short 80 off 63 Balls (5 Four & 4 Sixes), Hassan Khan 40 off 25 Balls (2 Fours & 3 Sixes)
TSK Bowling: Marcus Stoinis 3/32 (4 Overs), Akeal Hosein 1/14 (4 Overs).
TSK Innings: 147/7 (20 Overs) Donovan Ferreira 39 off 20 Balls (3 Fours & 2 Sixes) Saiteja Mukkamalla 34 off 29 Balls (3 Fours & 1 Six)
SFU Bowling: Brody Couch 2/26 (4 Overs), Romario Shepherd 2/26 (3 Overs).
Player of the Match: Matthew Short
Result: San Francisco Unicorns Won by 1 Run