MLC 2025: Mitchell Owen's Five-Wicket Haul Powers Washington Freedom Past San Francisco Unicorns, Ending Undefeated Streak

Mitchell Owen of Washington Freedom celebrates getting the wicket of Brody Couch of San Francisco Unicorns during match 19 of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 3 between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns held at the Grand Prairie cricket stadium, Grand Prairie, United States of America (USA). (Sportzpics)

The San Francisco Unicorns’ previously unblemished record in MLC 2025 suffered a setback as the Washington Freedom secured a thrilling victory. Despite the loss, the Unicorns maintain the top spot in the standings, buoyed by a superior net run rate. Mitchell Owen delivered a match-winning performance, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul to propel Washington Freedom to a 12-run victory in Dallas on Saturday.

Unicorns captain Matthew Short continued his impressive run of form, spearheading his team's chase of a target of 170. While the score seemed achievable given recent high-scoring encounters, the Unicorns struggled to build momentum. Despite a promising start reaching 52 for 1 within the powerplay, Short lacked substantial support from his fellow batsmen like Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Short found some stability in Sanjay Krishnamurthi, but his dismissal in the 11th over for a blistering 67, with the score at 97, triggered a collapse. Although only 73 runs were needed at this stage, the Unicorns’ middle order faltered under pressure.

That's when Owen seized the moment, turning the game on its head. He dismissed Short in his first over and swiftly followed up with the wickets of Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd in successive deliveries. Supported by crucial wickets from Jack Edwards and Ian Holland, the Unicorns crumbled to 113 for 7 by the 16th over.

Owen returned in the 19th over to dismantle the tailenders, claiming the wickets of Haris Rauf and Brody Couch, culminating in extraordinary figures of 5 for 17.

Despite a late surge from Jahmar Hamilton, who remained unbeaten on 31 off 18 balls, Saurabh Netravalkar showcased composure, conceding only 14 runs in the final over to seal the hard-fought victory for the Washington Freedom.

Earlier in the match, the Freedom encountered early setbacks after electing to bat, finding themselves in dire straits at 13 for 3 within the first three overs. Xavier Bartlett's fiery opening spell accounted for the wickets of Owen (on the first ball), Rachin Ravindra, and Andries Gous.

While Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply, Jack Edwards and Glenn Phillips steadied the ship with a crucial 71-run partnership off 64 balls. Phillips accelerated the scoring during a quickfire 31-run stand with Obus Pienaar. Following Phillips' dismissal for a 39-ball 58, Pienaar remained unbeaten on 37 off 16 balls, supported by Mukhtar Ahmed, to propel the Washington Freedom to a competitive total.

Both the Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns now hold an equal record of six wins in seven matches. The Unicorns, however, possess a significant advantage in net run rate, boasting 2.016 compared to Washington's 0.603.

Brief Scores:

Washington Freedom: 169/6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 58, Jack Edwards 42, Obus Pienaar 30*; Xavier Bartlett 32/4, Romario Shepherd 28/1)

San Francisco Unicorns: 157/9 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 67, Jahmar Hamilton 31*, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 24; Mitchell Owen 17/5, Ian Holland 23/1, Amila Aponso 23/1)