Man of the Match Saurabh Netravalkar took a sensational 6 wicket haul as Washington Freedom sealed a playoffs berth in the inaugural MLC with a 30 Run win over San Francisco Unicorns. Saurabh Netravalkar showed good control over his line & length.
With some vital contributions with the bat from Andries Gous 23(16), Skipper Moises Henriques 30(27), and Obus Pienaar 29(28) as Washington Freedom put a par total of 133/8 on a slowish pitch after being put to bat first.
While chasing a modest target San Francisco Unicorns were never in control of the chase courtesy Saurabh Netravalkar’s six-wicket haul. Corey Anderson 34(34) showed some fight but that was not enough as the Unicorns were eventually all out for 103 and fell short of the target by a huge 30 runs.
HARIS RAUF RATTLES THE WAF
Winning the toss, the San Francisco Unicorns chose to bowl first. However, the opening duo of Andries Gous and Matthew Short had other plans as they got off to a blazing start, amassing 28 runs in just 3 overs. The Unicorns’ bowlers seemed helpless as the boundaries kept flowing.
The breakthrough finally came when Haris Rauf dismissed the dangerous Andries Gous, triggering a spectacular collapse for the Washington Freedoms. Rauf’s fiery spell continued as he claimed the scalps of Glenn Philips and Mukhtar Ahmed in quick succession, leaving the Freedoms reeling at 33/4 within the power-play.
HENRIQUES AND PIENNAR REGAIN CONTROL
The responsibility to rebuild the innings fell on the shoulders of skipper Moises Henriques and Obus Pienaar. They steadied the ship, with Henriques displaying exceptional shot selection to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Pienaar provided the much-needed support by rotating the strike efficiently. The duo managed a crucial partnership of 40 runs in 36 deliveries before Marcus Stoinis dismissed Henriques for a well-compiled 30 runs.
A MIXED FINISH TO THE INNINGS BY THE WAF
After Henriques’ departure, Pienaar continued to defy the Unicorns’ bowlers, adding valuable runs before falling victim to Liam Plunkett’s delivery. Contributions from de Pidt and Marco Jansen towards the end enabled the Freedoms to post a respectable total of 133/8 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.
SAURABH NETRAVALKAR SETS THE TONE FOR WAF WITH THE BALL
Chasing a target of 134, the San Francisco Unicorns faced an early setback as Saurabh Netravalkar proved to be a nightmare for their top order.
Saurabh Netravalkar’s brilliant new ball bowling claimed the crucial wickets of Marcus Stoinis, Shadab Khan, and Matthew Wade in his first two overs, reducing the Unicorns to a precarious position.
SFU NEVER LOOKED SETTLED AND EVENTUALLY GIVE UP:
Despite the challenging situation, skipper Aaron Finch and Corey Anderson attempted to steady the innings. However, Finch struggled to find his rhythm and was dismissed by Akeal Hossain after a laborious 14 off 28 deliveries. Anderson showed resilience on the sluggish pitch and fought hard with a gritty knock of 34 runs off 34 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Anderson’s wicket spelled doom for the Unicorns.
Saurabh Netravalkar returned for his final over, cleaning up the tail with precision, claiming three more wickets and completing his six-wicket haul. Saurabh Netravalkar’s exceptional spell dismantled the Unicorns’ batting line-up, propelling the Washington Freedoms to a comprehensive victory by 30 runs.
WHAT NEXT FOR BOTH THE TEAMS:
After confirming their playoffs spot today, Washington Freedom face the MI New York as they’ll look to continue their winning momentum.
While the San Francisco Unicorns face the Texas Super Kings on the 25th of July in a high stakes encounter as one of the two teams on that day will qualify for the playoffs.
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