Mitchell Owen's Five-For Stuns Unicorns as Washington Freedom End San Francisco's MLC 2025 Dominance

Owen's Five-Wicket Haul Leads Washington Freedom to Victory Over San Francisco Unicorns

The San Francisco Unicorns' previously unblemished record in MLC 2025 suffered a setback as the Washington Freedom secured a 12-run triumph in Dallas on Saturday. The Unicorns, despite the loss, maintain their lead in the points table, buoyed by a superior net run rate. Mitchell Owen was the star of the show, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul that derailed the Unicorns' chase.

Chasing a target of 170, Unicorns' captain Matthew Short continued his impressive form, but lacked substantial support from his teammates. The Unicorns reached 52 for 1 during the powerplay, with Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling to find their rhythm.

Sanjay Krishnamurthi offered some stability, but the turning point arrived when Short was dismissed in the 11th over for a dominant 67, leaving the Unicorns at 97 for 2. What seemed like a comfortable chase quickly descended into chaos.

Owen's spell proved decisive. He removed Short, then followed up with the wickets of Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd in quick succession. Further wickets from Jack Edwards and Ian Holland saw the Unicorns collapse to 113 for 7 by the 16th over.

Returning in the 19th over, Owen wrapped up the innings by dismissing Haris Rauf and Brody Couch, completing his five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 17.

Despite a late surge from Jahmar Hamilton, who scored an unbeaten 31 off 18 balls, Saurabh Netravalkar held his nerve in the final over, conceding only 14 runs to secure the victory for the Freedom.

Earlier in the day, the Freedom faced early challenges after electing to bat. Xavier Bartlett's fiery opening spell saw him dismiss Owen, Rachin Ravindra, and Andries Gous within the first three overs, leaving the Freedom reeling at 13 for 3.

Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply, but Jack Edwards and Glenn Phillips steadied the ship with a 71-run partnership off 64 balls. Phillips then accelerated the scoring alongside Obus Pienaar, adding 31 runs in just 12 deliveries. After Phillips departed for a well-made 58 off 39 balls, Pienaar finished with an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls, supported by Mukhtar Ahmed, to propel the Freedom to a competitive total.

Both teams now have six wins from seven matches, but the Unicorns maintain a significant advantage in net run rate (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)