MLC 2025: Mitchell Owen's Five-Wicket Haul Stuns Unicorns, Freedom Claim Victory

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 has been shattered, as the Washington Freedom emerged victorious in a captivating match. Despite the defeat, the Unicorns maintain their position at the summit of the league standings, buoyed by a superior net run rate. Mitchell Owen delivered a career-defining performance, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul that propelled Washington Freedom to a 12-run triumph in Dallas on Saturday.

Unicorns captain Matthew Short continued his impressive form, leading the chase of a target of 170. A score that seemed within reach considering the recent trend of high-scoring matches. Despite limited contributions from Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Unicorns reached 52 for 1 during the powerplay.

Short found a reliable partner in Sanjay Krishnamurthi, but the chase faltered after Short's dismissal in the 11th over for a dominant 67. With only 73 runs needed, the Unicorns' middle order aimed to maintain control.

However, Mitchell Owen seized the moment with his game-changing spell. He removed Short in his first over and followed up with the wickets of Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd in quick succession. Supported by wickets from Jack Edwards and Ian Holland, the Unicorns suffered a dramatic collapse, falling to 113 for 7 by the 16th over.

Owen returned in the 19th over to dismiss the tailenders Haris Rauf and Brody Couch, concluding with outstanding figures of 5 for 17.

Needing 27 runs in the final over, Jahmar Hamilton fought valiantly with an unbeaten 31 off 18 balls. However, Saurabh Netravalkar remained composed, conceding only 14 runs to secure the victory for Washington Freedom.

Earlier in the match, after electing to bat first, the Freedom found themselves in early trouble at 13 for 3 within the first three overs. Xavier Bartlett's fiery opening spell accounted for Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, and Andries Gous.

Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply, but Jack Edwards and Glenn Phillips stabilized the innings with a 71-run partnership off 64 balls. Phillips accelerated the scoring during a 31-run stand with Obus Pienaar in just 12 deliveries. After Phillips' departure for a 39-ball 58, Pienaar finished with an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls, supported by Mukhtar Ahmed.

Both teams now have six wins from seven matches, but the Unicorns hold a significant net run rate advantage of 2.016 compared to Washington's 0.603.

Match Summary:

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)