MLC 2025 Match Preview: Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns – June 28, 2025

Match Details

• Date: June 28, 2025
• Time: 21:00 GMT / 7:00 PM Local
• Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
• Format: T20
• Series: Major League Cricket (MLC)

Team Form & Standings

San Francisco Unicorns

• Position: 1st
• Record: 6 wins from 6 matches
• Key Performance: The Unicorns have been in scintillating form, winning all their games. Their powerful top order and disciplined bowling have set them apart. Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Romario Shepherd have been instrumental in both batting and bowling.

Washington Freedom

• Position: 2nd
• Record: 5 wins from 6 matches
• Key Performance: The Freedom have found their rhythm after a shaky start, winning five of their last six games. Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, and Ian Holland have been standout performers. Their ability to chase under pressure has been a key strength.

Head-to-Head

• The teams have played four matches so far.
• Washington Freedom lead 2-2 in the head-to-head.
• Last Meeting (2025): Washington Freedom won by 96 runs in a dominant display.
• The upcoming match is a crucial clash with playoff implications.

Key Players to Watch

San Francisco Unicorns

• Matthew Short: A prolific all-rounder who has consistently delivered in both departments.
• Jake Fraser-McGurk: A top-order batsman with a knack for accelerating the innings.
• Haris Rauf: A wicket-taking machine, particularly effective in the powerplay and death overs.
• Romario Shepherd: Offers all-round balance with his batting and left-arm spin.

Washington Freedom

• Glenn Maxwell: A match-winner with both bat and ball. His explosive middle-order hitting is crucial.
• Mitchell Owen: Has been in red-hot form, scoring consistently.
• Ian Holland: A key wicket-taker for the Freedom, especially in the middle overs.
• Finn Allen: Provides explosive start and has been a reliable captain.

Match Prediction & Analysis

This is a high-stakes encounter with both teams in excellent form. San Francisco Unicorns, riding a six-match winning streak, will be aiming to maintain their perfect record and keep pressure on the Freedom. However, Washington Freedom, with their recent five-match winning streak and a strong batting line-up, are equally poised to make a statement.

The toss could be a deciding factor at Grand Prairie Stadium, which typically offers a good balance between batting and bowling. If the Freedom win the toss and decide to bat first, they can capitalize on their explosive top order. The Unicorns, on the other hand, have the depth to chase down any total.

Win Probability:

• San Francisco Unicorns: 40%
• Washington Freedom: 60%

Predicted Total Score: 171-175
Expected Winner: Washington Freedom
Top Scorer Prediction: Mitchell Owen (Freedom)
Wicket-Taker Prediction: Haris Rauf (Unicorns)

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Captain & Vice-Captain Options

• Captain: Glenn Maxwell, Finn Allen
• Vice-Captain: Glenn Phillips, Haris Rauf

Must-Include Players

• Batters: Finn Allen, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen
• Allrounders: Matthew Short, Romario Shepherd
• Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Ian Holland, Xavier Bartlett

Fantasy Team Suggestions

Team 1 (High Scoring)

• Wicketkeeper: Andries Gous
• Batters: Finn Allen (C), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Phillips
• Allrounders: Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Romario Shepherd (VC)
• Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Xavier Bartlett, Ian Holland, Carmi le Roux

Team 2 (Balanced)

• Wicketkeeper: Jahman Hamilton
• Batters: Rachin Ravindra, David Warner, Mitchell Owen
• Allrounders: Glenn Maxwell (C), Matthew Short, Hassan Khan
• Bowlers: Haris Rauf (VC), Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson, Brody Couch

Final Thoughts

This match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams at the top of the table. While the San Francisco Unicorns have a perfect record, the Washington Freedom’s recent form and explosive batting line-up give them a slight edge. Expect fireworks from both ends, with the outcome hinging on which side can seize the early momentum.

Prediction: Washington Freedom to win by a close margin.
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