MLC Match 1 Highlights | San Francisco Unicorns Thrash Washington Freedom | MLC 2025

SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS CRUSH WASHINGTON FREEDOM IN MLC 2025 OPENER

Summary
The 2025 season of Major League Cricket (MLC) kicked off in explosive fashion as San Francisco Unicorns produced a clinical all-round performance to demolish Washington Freedom by a record-breaking 123 runs at the Oakland Coliseum on June 13. Led by Finn Allen’s scintillating 151 off 51 balls, the Unicorns posted a mammoth total of 269/5 – the highest in MLC history – before their bowling attack, spearheaded by Haris Rauf and Hassan Khan, bundled out Freedom for just 146 in 13.1 overs. The Unicorns’ dominance in all departments set the perfect tone for their MLC 2025 campaign and underlined their title credentials.

Short Scorecard: MLC 2025 – Match 1

San Francisco Unicorns – 269/5 in 20 overs
Finn Allen 151 (51), Seifert 18 (10), Sanjay Krishnamurthi 36 (20)
Jack Edwards 2/39, Netravalkar 1/57

Washington Freedom – 146 all out in 13.1 overs
Mitchell Owen 39 (20), Rachin Ravindra 42 (17)
Haris Rauf 3/30, Hassan Khan 3/38

Result: San Francisco Unicorns won by 123 runs
Player of the Match: Finn Allen

Finn Allen’s record-shattering assault sets the stage

When Washington Freedom won the toss and opted to bowl, they likely did not anticipate the storm that was about to follow. Finn Allen, known for his aggressive style, unleashed one of the most devastating innings seen in franchise T20 cricket. Smashing 15 sixes and 15 fours, Allen’s 151 off just 51 deliveries was a display of brute power, fearless stroke play, and relentless intent. The Freedom bowlers had no answers as Allen raced to his century in just 36 balls and continued his onslaught deep into the 17th over.

Partnering first with Tim Seifert (18 off 10) and then with Sanjay Krishnamurthi (36 off 20), Allen ensured the Unicorns maintained a scoring rate close to 14 throughout the innings. By the time Jack Edwards finally dismissed the New Zealander, the damage was well and truly done.

The rest of the batting unit contributed around him, with Cooper Connolly and Hassan Khan chipping in with quick cameos. Their collective efforts helped San Francisco Unicorns set MLC’s highest-ever team total – 269/5 in 20 overs – a total that turned out to be more than enough on a batting-friendly surface.

Washington Freedom’s reply never took flight

Chasing an enormous target, Washington Freedom needed a dream start, and while Mitchell Owen (39 off 20) and Rachin Ravindra (42 off 17) tried to inject early momentum, their efforts were short-lived. Once Ravindra was dismissed in the sixth over with the score at 80, the middle order crumbled under relentless pressure.

Haris Rauf, playing with controlled aggression, delivered a hostile spell picking up the key wickets of Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips in quick succession. The Pakistani speedster finished with 3/30, showing his class on the MLC stage. Hassan Khan added to the chaos with his spin, claiming 3/38 and dismantling the lower middle order.

Only Ben Sears offered some resistance at the tail with a brisk 15*, but the rest of the batting lineup offered little substance. Washington Freedom was bowled out for 146 in just 13.1 overs – a tame end to what was supposed to be a statement game. For Ricky Ponting’s squad, this was a wake-up call on execution, intent, and bowling strategies in a format that allows no margin for error.

Unicorns set the benchmark for MLC 2025

Beyond the runs and wickets, the San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom clash highlighted the stark difference in preparation and execution between the two sides. San Francisco Unicorns, led by Corey Anderson, were clinical in every department. Their fielding was sharp, their bowling well-planned, and their batting destructive.

Finn Allen's Player of the Match performance has now set the bar incredibly high not just for MLC 2025, but for global T20 leagues. His 151 is now the highest individual score in MLC history and among the fastest in world T20s, marking him as a player to watch through the season.

For Washington Freedom, the positives are fewer but valuable. Rachin Ravindra’s form continues, and Mitchell Owen's fearless hitting was promising. However, concerns around bowling execution, field placements, and middle-order frailty must be addressed before their next fixture.

Sharper tactics, bigger plans for both sides ahead

As the tournament progresses, teams will be eager to decipher what makes sides like the Unicorns so dominant. It’s not just explosive batting – it’s the balance in squad composition, clarity of roles, and adaptability under pressure. With Shane Watson as head coach, the Unicorns look well-drilled and focused on long-term title ambitions.

On the other hand, Ricky Ponting and the Freedom think tank have some rebuilding to do. With the bench featuring names like Lockie Ferguson, Jason Behrendorff, and Mark Chapman, squad rotation and better utilization of pace resources could prove pivotal.

The opening match of MLC 2025 has provided fireworks, records, and talking points — and it’s only just begun.