LAKR VS SFU MATCH 30

And that's a wrap on today's thrilling game! The excitement continues in the MLC as the Qualifier game is set for Wednesday, July 9th at 12 AM GMT. The Washington Freedom will take on the Texas Super Kings in a battle for a spot in the final. Join us early for the pre-match hype and analysis as we count down to the big game. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Jason Holder, the skipper of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, says it feels good to get a win. Adds that they started well with the bat, and all the batters who came in kept the tempo. Shares that they were not good with the ball and dropped some chances that plagued them in the tournament. Mentions that there were many positives, but they failed to put a complete game together. Credits the fans who gave continued support. Closes by adding that they need to learn a bit quicker and come back strong next season.

Andre Fletcher is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his blistering knock. He says that he wanted to give himself some time and wanted to be positive. Adds that Alex Hales started well, so it made things easy for him. Shares that the wicket was a touch slow, but we wanted to put the bowlers under pressure, and happy that we finished with the win. Mentions that believing in himself and backing his ability helps with the performance. Closes by sharing that he is grateful for the opportunity and hopes to contribute to the side.

Presentation time...

Matthew Short, the San Francisco Unicorns skipper, says that he is happy with the fight their middle order gave. Adds that they gave away too many runs, but they are into the playoffs. He says that the injury of Shepherd is bad, and Haris Rauf is injured, so they will want the locals to step up in the playoffs.

Sanjay Krishnamurthi's dropped chances in the 5th over proved costly, as he went on to play a match-defining innings. For the Los Angeles Knight Riders, Karthik Gattepalli was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a crucial three-wicket haul to help his team defend their total. Earlier in the game, the LA Knight Riders' openers, Alex Hales and Andre Fletcher, blasted off to a strong start, with Hales scoring 58 off 26 balls. The pair added 97 runs before Hales' departure. Sherfane Rutherford joined Fletcher, and they added 94 runs together before Rutherford fell at 49 off 28 balls. Fletcher remained unbeaten, scoring his second century of the season, finishing at 118 off 58 balls. A rain delay reduced the game to 19 overs per side.

So, the San Francisco Unicorns will now face the MI New York in the Eliminator stage! They fell agonizingly short in their chase of 245, despite a valiant effort. After losing three quick wickets, Hassan Khan and Sanjay Krishnamurthi steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. Khan's quickfire 35 came to an end in the 8th over, but Krishnamurthi continued to fight, scoring a magnificent 92 before departing in the 15th over. Unfortunately, Hammad Azam's dismissal in the next over proved to be a turning point. Xavier Bartlett tried hard at the backend, but it was a tall ask, and the Unicorns fell short by just 11 runs (DLS method).

No more participation from the injured player and there's absent hurt written against the name of Romario Shepherd.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Shadley van Schalkwyk seals the deal for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Pitched full, angling across the batter. Ben Lister swings hard, gets the outside edge that is taken by Adithya Ganesh behind the stumps. Shadley van Schalkwyk ends with two wickets, and the Los Angeles Knight Riders finally get a win by 11 runs.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Shadley van Schalkwyk seals the deal for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Pitched full, angling across the batter. Ben Lister swings hard, gets the outside edge that is taken by Adithya Ganesh behind the stumps. Shadley van Schalkwyk ends with two wickets, and the Los Angeles Knight Riders finally get a win by 11 runs.

Ben Lister is the last batter for San Francisco Unicorns. Romario Shepherd will not bat due to injury.

OUT! TAKEN! That should seal the game for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Bowls it full, angling across the batter. Xavier Bartlett looks to hack it through the leg side but gets a top edge that flies toward short third. Karthik Gattepalli takes a simple catch. San Francisco Unicorns slide further. 12 off two balls needed now.

OUT! TAKEN! That should seal the game for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Bowls it full, angling across the batter. Xavier Bartlett looks to hack it through the leg side but gets a top edge that flies toward short third. Karthik Gattepalli takes a simple catch. San Francisco Unicorns slide further. 12 off two balls needed now.

FOUR! FINDS THE ROPES! Low full toss, around off. Xavier Bartlett moves across and heaves it toward the deep mid-wicket region and gets the boundary. 12 needed off 3 now.

BYE! Slower ball on a length, angled across. Brody Couch swings and misses. Xavier Bartlett calls through for a quick bye.

Yorker length delivery, on off. Xavier Bartlett swings hard, gets an inside edge to the left of the keeper for a run.

Shadley van Schalkwyk has the responsibility to bowl the final over for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Can he defend this, or will the San Francisco Unicorns snatch the win?

SIX! UP AND OVER! Back of a length delivery, outside off. Brody Couch carves it over the man at deep backward point for half a dozen. This game is not over yet. 18 needed off the final over. We are going down to the wire.