The San Francisco Unicorns claimed their first victory of the 2026 Major League Cricket season with a commanding seven-wicket triumph over the Texas Super Kings at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Saturday.
Unicorns' Bowling Dominance Sets Up Win
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Unicorns produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict Texas Super Kings to 152/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran Australian pacer Peter Siddle was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 36 runs. Captain Matthew Short complemented him perfectly, returning figures of 2/25 from his four overs and ensuring Texas never gained complete control of the innings.
Texas Super Kings endured a difficult start after being put into bat. Their top order failed to capitalize on the powerplay as captain Faf du Plessis departed for just six runs, while Saiteja Mukkamalla managed only one before heading back to the pavilion. With the innings in danger of unraveling, Rilee Rossouw attempted to steady the ship. The South African left-hander struck 36 off 29 deliveries and looked set for a bigger score before a run-out cut short his stay at the crease.
Late Flourish from Viljoen Lifts Super Kings
A late flourish from Hardus Viljoen helped the Super Kings post a competitive total. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 33 from 24 balls, guiding his side past the 150-run mark as they finished on 152/9.
In reply, the Unicorns' chase began with an early setback when Finn Allen was dismissed for just one run by Nandre Burger in the opening over. However, opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Matthew Short quickly wrestled back control of the contest. The pair added 82 runs for the second wicket in just 47 deliveries, putting the pressure firmly back on the Super Kings bowlers.
Pretorius Anchors Clinical Chase
Short played an aggressive hand, smashing 31 off 19 balls before falling after providing the perfect platform. Connor Esterhuizen chipped in with a useful 20, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi remained unbeaten on 19 as he joined Pretorius in completing the chase. Pretorius finished unbeaten on 69 off 55 balls and was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
The Unicorns reached 153/3 in 17.5 overs, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory. This win marks a strong start for San Francisco in the 2026 MLC season, while Texas Super Kings will look to regroup after this defeat.
