San Francisco Unicorns Win Last-Ball Thriller to Stay on Top of MLC 2025

The San Francisco Unicorns held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to defeat the Texas Super Kings by just one run in one of the most dramatic matches of the Major League Cricket 2025 season. With this win, the Unicorns remain at the top of the league table and continue their push toward playoff dominance.

Matthew Short Anchors the Unicorns’ Innings

After being sent in to bat, San Francisco faced immediate trouble. The Unicorns lost three early wickets in the powerplay, and the scoreboard pressure mounted quickly. Captain Matthew Short stepped up once again, playing a composed and commanding knock under tough conditions.

Short partnered with Hassan Khan for a steady 67-run stand that helped rebuild the innings. Although Khan fell to Marcus Stoinis, who returned to bowl a game-changing spell, Short continued to anchor the innings. He scored a well-crafted 80 before getting dismissed on the last ball of the innings. His performance was the foundation of San Francisco’s total of 148 for 6, a defendable score on a pitch that offered turn and uneven bounce.

Stoinis claimed three wickets for Texas, while Akeal Hosein delivered another outstanding powerplay spell, including a beauty that removed Jake Fraser-McGurk in what many are calling the ball of the tournament.

Unicorns Bowlers Apply Pressure

Defending a modest target, San Francisco’s bowlers started strong. Brody Couch removed Faf du Plessis early after a dropped catch nearly cost them. In his second over, Couch struck again, dismissing Smit Patel with extra bounce and a sharp catch by Finn Allen.

The Unicorns used a smart mix of spin and pace to strangle the Texas middle order. Between overs 6 and 15, Texas managed only 54 runs. With the asking rate climbing above 12 runs per over, pressure mounted on the Super Kings.

Late Drama and a One-Run Finish

Needing 64 from the last five overs, Texas turned to Donovan Ferreira to replicate his previous heroics. Ferreira looked dangerous, but Romario Shepherd broke the momentum by dismissing both Ferreira and Shubham Ranjane in the same over, shifting the match back in San Francisco’s favor.

With 13 required from the final over and Haris Rauf sidelined due to injury, Matthew Short handed the ball to Xavier Bartlett. The Super Kings came within reach after Mohammad Mohsin hit two boundaries, leaving three runs to win off the final ball. Bartlett held his nerve and delivered the perfect final delivery, sealing a memorable one-run win for San Francisco.

What’s Next

• The San Francisco Unicorns, now with 14 points, will face the Los Angeles Knight Riders on Sunday afternoon.
• The Texas Super Kings will quickly regroup for a key match against the Seattle Orcas on Saturday evening.

Match Summary

San Francisco Unicorns beat Texas Super Kings by 1 run

San Francisco Unicorns: 148 for 6 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 80, Hassan Khan 40; Marcus Stoinis 3 for 32, Akeal Hosein 1 for 18)

Texas Super Kings: 147 for 7 in 20 overs (Donovan Ferreira 39, Saiteja Mukkamalla 34, Shubham Ranjane 28; Brody Couch 2 for 26, Romario Shepherd 2 for 26, Karima Gore 1 for 25)

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