SFU VS MINY ELIMINATOR

Right then, that will be it from us for this nail-biting contest. Make sure to join in on 12th July, Saturday, for the Challenger where the Texas Super Kings square off against the MI New York from the same venue. That game will start at 12.00 am GMT. But as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Nicholas Pooran, the MI New York skipper, is up for a chat. He says that the game got closer than they expected. Adds that the bowling effort was exceptional and they have been fantastic through the season. Kudos to the guys who put their hand up in tough situations. Shares that playing in different venues was a bit of a challenge, as Florida was slow while the pitches in Dallas are good and help in scoring runs, but they need to adapt well. Mentions that they did not want to be reckless and get behind on the DLS as they got a start, but the middle order did not contribute. Feels lucky to get out of jail and adds that the game is never over till end and they cannot take anything for granted. Lauds Trent Boult for his all-round performance.

Trent Boult is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round brilliance. Says that it was a fresh wicket, there was some nice weather too and the boys bowled well. Adds that they would have taken 130 of the week. Shares that it is nice to experience different wickets in this country, but as a bowler, the challenge is always to take wickets, try to learn, and find other ways if it is not swinging. Mentions that he wasn't expecting to bat, but nice to win it. Closes by adding that everyone jokes about his batting, but happy to win today.

Presentation time...

Matthew Short, the San Francisco Unicorns skipper, is up for a chat. He says that the runs from the top-order were not good enough, but they bowled pretty well. Credits the tail and the bowlers who kept them in the game. Says that the ball was wet, and it was tough on the bowlers, but they all fought hard. Adds that they lost some big players at the backend, but they still believed we had the depth to our squad. Shares that it’s a season of two halves as they got off to a flier and then lost their way.  Mentions that the depth in their locals has been brilliant, and it is about keeping the group together now and going ahead.

Earlier in the day, the Unicorns posted a below-par total of 131 after a disastrous start at 16/5. A crucial recovery came from Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett, who added valuable runs to give their team a fighting chance. With the ball, Trent Boult and Nosthush Kenjige picked up two wickets each, while Rushil Ugarkar was the pick of the bowlers with an impressive 3/19. Despite the scare, MI New York managed to huff and puff their way into the Challenger round, while the San Francisco Unicorns bowed out of the tournament, ending a campaign that had begun with promise.

The San Francisco Unicorns didn’t have a big total to defend, but their bowlers came out firing, keeping things tight early and striking regularly through the middle overs. Matthew Short and Hassan Khan were the standout performers, sharing seven wickets between them for just 52 runs across their combined eight overs. Xavier Bartlett also made a key breakthrough, dismissing the dangerous Kieron Pollard. With MI New York needing 19 runs off the final two overs, the Unicorns opted to bring back Hassan Khan—a move that backfired as the left-arm spinner conceded 15 runs, swinging the momentum decisively in New York’s favor.

MI New York have booked their place in the Challenger, bringing an end to the season for the San Francisco Unicorns. In what was their first-ever win over the Unicorns in MLC history, MI New York clinched a tense victory by two wickets, with three balls remaining. Chasing a modest target of 132, MI New York got off to a solid start with openers Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock laying the foundation in the Powerplay. Quinton de Kock departed after the Powerplay, with Nicholas Pooran following him soon after. Monank Patel and Michael Bracewell stitched together a steady partnership, but Patel’s dismissal sparked a mini-collapse, leaving MI New York teetering at 108 for 8. Just when the game looked to be slipping away, Trent Boult stepped up with a few crucial blows at the death to seal a dramatic win for New York.

KENJIGE HITS THE WINNING RUNS! Back of a length, just outside off. Nosthush Kenjige dabs it toward the short third region and takes a single. MI New York win by 2 wickets with three balls to spare.

Yorker, just outside off. Trent Boult squeezes it to deep point for one. The scores are level now. Just a single needed off four balls.

Back of a length delivery on off. Trent Boult clears the front leg and hacks it toward deep mid-wicket for a couple.

The MI New York needs four off the final over with two wickets in hand. Ben Lister has the responsibility for the San Francisco Unicorns.

Fuller and quicker at the stumps. Trent Boult shimmies down and heaves it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single. 4 needed off the final over.

Slower through the air, on off. Trent Boult hacks it toward long-on. Denies the single again.

Fired in at the stumps. Trent Boult drills this to long-on for none.

SIX MORE! DISPATCHED! Flatter and quicker on the middle and leg. Trent Boult stands tall and pumps it over the wide long-on fence for back-to-back sixes. Just 5 needed off 9 balls.

SIX! BANG! Trent Boult is keeping the MI New York alive! Full and at the stumps. Trent Boult stays deep in the crease and smashes it over long-on for a flat hit. 11 needed off 10 balls now.