Los Angeles Knight Riders booked their place in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 final after defeating San Francisco Unicorns in the tournament’s first qualifier, with Rovman Powell’s explosive late innings proving decisive.
The West Indies batter changed the course of the match by scoring a rapid half-century from just 15 balls, including four consecutive sixes off Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf in the 19th over. His late assault lifted Los Angeles to a competitive total of 187.
Powell’s Late Blitz Turns The Match
Playing in Auckland, San Francisco Unicorns captain Matthew Short won the toss and elected to field first.
Colin Munro scored 51 from 44 balls, while Andre Russell also contributed a half-century. However, it was Powell’s unbeaten power-hitting in the closing overs that shifted momentum firmly in Los Angeles’ favor.
Matthew Short’s Effort Falls Short
Chasing 188, Matthew Short led the Unicorns’ response with an unbeaten 94 off 62 balls, but his innings was not enough to secure victory.
San Francisco Unicorns finished on 180 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, falling seven runs short as Los Angeles Knight Riders advanced to the MLC 2026 final.
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