Mitchell Owen’s Five-Wicket Haul Sends Washington Freedom to the Playoffs and Hands San Francisco Unicorns First Loss

Washington Freedom became the first team to seal a spot in the Major League Cricket 2025 playoffs after a stunning bowling display from Mitchell Owen turned the tide against the previously unbeaten San Francisco Unicorns. In a match full of twists, Owen’s five-wicket haul led Freedom to a 12-run win and handed the Unicorns their first defeat of the season.

Unicorns Collapse After Strong Start

The Unicorns looked well in control at 97 for 2 as captain Matthew Short continued his red-hot form with a fourth consecutive half-century. But the game shifted dramatically when Owen was introduced in the 11th over. The Freedom all-rounder dismissed Short with a clever change of pace, and what followed was a collapse that stunned fans at Grand Prairie.

From 97 for 2, San Francisco crumbled to 157 for 9. Owen’s spell included a double-wicket over, removing Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd on back-to-back balls. He returned later in the innings to take two more wickets, finishing with figures of 5 for 17—only the third five-wicket haul in MLC history.

Washington’s Recovery After Rocky Start

The victory seemed unlikely in the first innings when Freedom found themselves struggling at 30 for 4 after just five overs. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett ripped through the top order, removing three batters early, while Haris Rauf added the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell.

Needing a rebuild, Glenn Phillips stepped up with a composed 58 off 39 balls. He was supported by Jack Edwards (42) in a stabilizing 71-run partnership. Late cameos from Obus Pienaar (30 not out off 12) and Mukhtar Ahmed (17 not out off 9) helped push Washington to a fighting total of 169 for 6.

Although that total appeared below par on a high-scoring ground, Owen’s spell turned it into a match-winning score. He was named Player of the Match for his game-defining performance.

What’s Next

With their playoff ticket secured, Washington Freedom will travel to Broward County Stadium in Florida, where they face the Texas Super Kings on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, San Francisco Unicorns, still strong title contenders, will look to bounce back against the Seattle Orcas on Tuesday at the same venue.

Match Summary

Washington Freedom beat San Francisco Unicorns by 12 runs

Washington Freedom: 169 for 6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 58, Jack Edwards 42, Obus Pienaar 30 not out; Xavier Bartlett 4 for 32)

San Francisco Unicorns: 157 for 9 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 67, Jahmar Hamilton 31 not out; Mitchell Owen 5 for 17)

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