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Los Angeles Knight Riders clinch victory in MLC season opener
Los Angeles Knight Riders beat San Francisco Unicorns by seven wickets, chasing 151 after restricting the Unicorns to 150/7 in 14 overs.
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Bhavana P - Sat, 20, Jun 2026
- 12:16 EDT
- 32
Los Angeles Knight Riders / X/ LA_KnightRiders
The Los Angeles Knight Riders won their opening match of the Major League Cricket 2026 season, defeating the San Francisco Unicorns by seven wickets in a rain-shortened contest on June 20 at Grand Prairie Stadium.
Chasing 151 in a match reduced to 14 overs per side, Los Angeles reached 154 for 3 in 13.4 overs, sealing victory with eight balls to spare. Colin Munro led the successful chase with an unbeaten 64 off 40 deliveries, while captain Jason Holder provided the finishing touches with a rapid 28 off 12 balls.
Also read: Texas Super Kings win high-scoring MLC 2026 opener
The victory capped a strong all-round performance from the Knight Riders, who recovered after San Francisco posted a competitive 150 for 7.
The Unicorns were powered by opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who struck 58 off 28 balls, including four fours and five sixes. Finn Allen added 24 off 12 deliveries as San Francisco made a flying start. Matthew Short contributed 30 off 20 balls before being run out.
Los Angeles bowlers fought back in the middle and death overs to restrict the Unicorns. Sunil Narine claimed 2 for 33, while Andre Russell removed the dangerous Pretorius. Shadley van Schalkwyk also played a key role, conceding just seven runs in the final over and dismissing Haris Rauf.
In reply, Andre Fletcher provided early momentum with 34 off 17 balls, while Rovman Powell scored 17. Munro then anchored the innings, rotating strike effectively and finding boundaries when required.
Holder's late cameo shifted the momentum decisively in Los Angeles' favor. His aggressive knock included two sixes and ensured there would be no late twist in the chase.
Peter Siddle was the pick of the San Francisco bowlers with 2 for 27, while Short claimed one wicket. However, the Unicorns were unable to halt the Knight Riders' charge as Los Angeles secured a convincing seven-wicket win and began their 2026 campaign on a winning note.
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