Andre Fletcher’s explosive 118-run knock propelled the Los Angeles Knight Riders to a thrilling 11-run (DLS method) victory over the San Francisco Unicorns, ensuring the Knight Riders ended their Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 campaign on a high, while simultaneously scuttling the Unicorns’ hopes of a top-two finish.
Fletcher’s Fireworks Ignite Knight Riders’ Innings
After being asked to bat first in a rain-affected match reduced to 19 overs per side, the Los Angeles Knight Riders, though out of playoff contention, unleashed a batting onslaught. The highlight was undoubtedly Andre Fletcher’s magnificent 118 off just 58 deliveries. The West Indian opener’s innings, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes, was his second century of the season and the bedrock of LAKR’s imposing total.
Fletcher shared a vital 94-run opening partnership with Alex Hales, who contributed a quickfire 58 off 26 balls. Following Hales’ dismissal, Sherfane Rutherford continued the aggression, scoring 49 off 28, partnering with Fletcher for a 97-run stand that further bolstered the Knight Riders’ score. Despite a brief rain delay, the momentum remained with LAKR, as they posted a formidable 243/3.
Unicorns’ Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 245, the San Francisco Unicorns got off to a disastrous start, losing their top three batsmen for just 7 runs in 1.4 overs. Debutant Karthik Gattepalli made an immediate impact for the Knight Riders, picking up the crucial wickets of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in his very first T20 over, after Dominic Drakes had dismissed Finn Allen.
However, the Unicorns refused to surrender. Sanjay Krishnamurthi led a fierce counterattack, smashing a brilliant 92 off just 40 balls, including 7 fours and 7 sixes. He found support from Hassan Khan (35 off 17) and Hammad Azam (38 off 27), keeping the Unicorns in the hunt.
As the chase intensified, Jason Holder provided a crucial breakthrough for LAKR, dismissing the dangerous Krishnamurthi. Despite some late fireworks from Xavier Bartlett (27 off 13), the Unicorns ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 233 in 18.5 overs, losing by 11 runs. Shadley van Schalkwyk sealed the victory for the Knight Riders, taking two wickets in successive deliveries in the final over.
Playoff Implications and Final Standings
The loss was a significant blow to the San Francisco Unicorns, who, despite having already secured a playoff spot, were vying for a top-two finish that would have given them a direct route to Qualifier 1. Instead, they drop to third place in the league standings.
The Unicorns will now face MI New York in the Eliminator match on Wednesday, July 9th, in Dallas. Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings, who finished in the top two, will contest Qualifier 1, with the winner earning a direct spot in the final.
For the Los Angeles Knight Riders, while their season concludes with just two wins, this comprehensive victory against a strong Unicorns side provided a memorable sign-off, highlighted by Fletcher’s exceptional performance.
