The San Francisco Unicorns surged to the top of the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) standings in stunning fashion, producing a batting masterclass to beat the Washington Freedom by eight wickets and significantly increase their Net Run Rate.Chasing a challenging target of 191, the Unicorns raced to 193/2 in just 15.1 overs, leapfrogging the Seattle Orcas, who had briefly climbed to the top earlier in the day. The emphatic victory also cemented San Francisco’s credentials as one of the tournament favorites entering the business end of the league stage.The quest is built around a partnership between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Finn Allenwhich aims to attack freedom from the very beginning.Pretorius smashed 66 off just 26 balls, while Allen blasted 45 off 18 deliveries as the two effectively finished the contest inside the Powerplay.
Pretorius loan support from the management
Named man of the match, Pretorius said the confidence shown in him by the coaching staff was key to his remarkable consistency.“I just think it all comes from the management supporting you, always talking positive and encouraging you to have a positive mindset,” he said.The young opener revealed that he went into the match conscious of the fastest fifty record and celebrated reaching the milestone in just 16 balls.“I wanted to get the record after the first over, so yeah, I’m glad I managed to hit that last one for a six,” he said after his 16-ball 50.Pretorius added that clear thinking, rather than reckless aggression, has changed his batting.“I think it can go either way, like recklessness. I fell into that trap… Now it’s just backing up my options and staying within my game plan, reading the conditions and trying to assess what I think is important as a kick-off,” he added.He also acknowledged the tricky nature of the surface.“On a wicket like this, to be a bit double-edged, just have clarity and back your options and commit to it 100%. That’s my mindset going into every game,” he said.Freedom’s 190 proves far below parEarlier, Washington Freedom posted what looked a competitive 190/4 after Andries Gous anchored the innings with an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls, while Mitchell Owen scored a quickfire 39 at the top.Nikhil Chaudhary’s late 32 off 19 deliveries added a valuable boost, but the Freedom bowlers failed to capitalize on the two-pace conditions and kept offering scoring opportunities.Three dropped catches compounded their problems as the Unicorns made light work of the chase.Asked who hit the bigger sixes between him and Allen, Pretorius laughed before replying: “Probably Finn.”With a convincing victory, San Francisco not only ended one of the fastest successful chases of the season, but also returned to the top of the MLC table.
