Brought to you by Batball USA – Your Home for American Cricket

The Major League Cricket (MLC) Eliminator 1 at Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas, on July 10, 2025, delivered a nail-biting contest between the San Francisco Unicorns and MI New York (MINY). Despite persistent rain and challenging conditions, the match showcased resilience, tactical brilliance, and moments of individual heroics, with MINY emerging victorious to advance to Eliminator 2 against Texas Super Kings.

The Unicorns began the MLC season with a flourish, their batting line-up firing on all cylinders and their bowlers hitting the right lengths. High-scoring innings and all-round dominance marked their early games, with players like Finn Allen, Haris Rauf, and captain Corey Anderson leading the charge. However, the midway point brought a wave of injuries that derailed their campaign. Anderson was the first to fall, followed by key contributors like Rauf and Allen. The depleted squad struggled to maintain their early momentum, limping into the playoffs with a battered roster.

In contrast, MI New York had a sluggish start to the season, grappling with inconsistent performances. However, they found their rhythm at the perfect moment, stringing together crucial wins to sneak into the playoff spots. With confidence soaring and a balanced side featuring stars like Quinton de Kock (QDK), Monank Patel, and Trent Boult, MINY entered the eliminator as a team ready to take on any challenge.

Rain has been a constant companion for MLC this season, and even the return to Texas couldn’t escape the dark clouds. MINY won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Their bowlers tore through the Unicorns’ top order, reducing them to a precarious 16/5 during the powerplay. The absence of key players was glaring as SF Unicorns struggled to find their footing.

However, a gritty partnership between Connolly and Bartlett provided some resistance. Their cautious yet determined batting helped the Unicorns claw their way to a below-par but respectable total of 131, bowled out in under 20 overs. It was a fighting effort, but MINY’s bowlers had set the tone.

As if scripted, the rain gods intervened during the innings break, delaying the game and soaking the outfield. The wet conditions added an extra layer of complexity for both teams, particularly for the bowlers, who would struggle with grip and footing in the second innings.

Chasing 132, MINY’s openers, Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock, gave their team a solid foundation. Their aggressive start suggested the chase might be a mere formality, as the Unicorns’ bowlers battled the slippery conditions. With the score ticking along comfortably, MINY appeared in control.

Just when the game seemed to be slipping away, SF Unicorns’ Matt Short and Hassan Khan sparked a remarkable comeback. Despite the challenging conditions, their disciplined bowling turned the tide. Hassan Khan was the standout, claiming 4 crucial wickets to dismantle MINY’s middle order. Suddenly, the game was alive, with MINY needing 19 runs off the final two overs.

Boult’s Heroics Seal the Deal

With tension mounting, Trent Boult stepped up for MINY. Known for his death-bowling prowess, Boult showcased his batting credentials, smashing two massive sixes in quick succession. A few singles followed, and MINY crossed the finish line, securing a hard-fought victory. The Unicorns’ valiant effort fell just short, but their resilience in the face of adversity was commendable.

MI New York now advances to Eliminator 2, where they will face Texas Super Kings on Friday, July 11, 2025. With momentum on their side and players like Boult in top form, MINY will fancy their chances of progressing further. For the SF Unicorns, the season ends in disappointment, but their fighting spirit in this match will be a source of pride.

In a season plagued by rain and unpredictability, MLC continues to deliver thrilling cricket. As the playoffs heat up, all eyes will be on MINY to see if they can maintain their late-season surge and claim the title.

© 2025 Batball USA. All photos and content are copyrighted. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.