The San Francisco Unicorns produced a batting masterclass as they surged to the top of the 2026 MLC table, beating Washington Liberty by eight wickets and significantly improving their net run-rate.Chasing a challenging target of 191, the Unicorns posted 193/2 in just 15.1 overs to overtake the Seattle Orcas, who had briefly topped the overs earlier in the day. The statement win also bolsters San Francisco’s credibility as one of the tournament favorites heading into the league stage.The chase revolves around Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Finn Allenhe tore up Liberty’s attack from the start.Pretorius smashed 66 off just 26 balls while Allen smashed 45 off 18 balls as the duo effectively ended the match in the Powerplay.
Pretorius believes in management support
Pretorius, who was named man of the match, said the confidence shown in him by the coaching staff was key to his outstanding consistency.“I just think it all comes down to management supporting you and always speaking up and encouraging you to stay positive,” he said.The young opener revealed that he was already aware of the fastest 50-ball record while playing in the tournament and celebrated reaching the milestone in just 16 balls.“I wanted to break the record after the first round, so, yeah, I’m happy that I got that last six,” he said after his 16-ball 50.Pretorius added that clear thinking rather than reckless attack has transformed his batting.“I think it probably goes both ways, like recklessness. I fell into that trap… Now it’s just about backing your choices and sticking to your game plan, reading the conditions and trying to assess what I think are important as an opening batsman,” he added.He also acknowledges the complexity of surfaces.“Ten wickets like this, a bit of two paces, just be clear and support your choice and be 100 per cent committed to it. That’s my mentality every game,” he said.Freedom’s 190 is well below parEarlier, Andries Gous dominated the innings with an unbeaten 50-ball 83 while Mitchell Owen smashed a quick 39 as Washington Freedom seemed to be on 190/4.Nikhil Chaudhary’s 32 runs off 19 deliveries added valuable impetus to the team, but Liberty’s bowlers failed to exploit the two-pace conditions and were provided with multiple scoring chances.The Unicorns had an easy time in the chase, with three receiving errors compounding their problems.Asked who hit the bigger six between him and Allen, Pretorius smiled and replied: “Probably Finn.”With this convincing victory, San Francisco not only completed one of its fastest successful chases of the season, but also returned to the top of the MLC standings.
