MLC: Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ maiden T20 century helps San Francisco Unicorns climb to top spot with dominant win over MI | Cricket News
New Delhi: Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed his maiden T20 century to help the San Francisco Unicorns register a nine-wicket win over MI New York in the MLC 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday.The young South African wicketkeeper-batsman had a target of 144 but remained unbeaten on 102 off just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. He reached his maiden T20 hundred at a strike rate of 196.15 and led the Unicorns home in 15.4 overs. Pretorius was named player of the match.The huge win helped the San Francisco Unicorns climb to the top of the standings. They currently have five wins and three losses in eight games, with 10 points and a net winning percentage of +0.590.Meanwhile, MI New York dropped to third place. They have four wins and four losses in eight games, eight points and a net rating of -0.208.
Pretoria easy chase
San Francisco got off to a good start with Pretorius and Finn Allen scoring 52 runs for the opening wickets.Allen scored 20 points on 17 balls, including three four-pointers, before being sacked by Romario Shepherd.However, Pretorius continued to dominate the MI New York bowlers. He was supported by skipper Matthew Short, who remained unbeaten on 19 off 25 balls, and the two put together an uninterrupted 94 for the second wicket.Pretorius completed the chase in style with his maiden T20 century, ensuring the Unicorns reached 146/1 with 26 balls remaining.
Pretoria delighted after first T20 hundred
After collecting the Man of the Match award, Pretorius admitted that his target was to reach triple figures, a target he had failed to achieve twice before.“Well, my first thought was to get the team across the finish line and win the game, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have 100 games in my head because I’ve been behind a couple of times. But yeah, it was fun and I’m really happy that we got the win.”“We (Pretorius and captain Matthew Short) were just joking, no, actually. We didn’t really talk about it at all. But deep down in my heart I really wanted 100 points. But the most important part is getting the team across the finish line and I’m happy we can do that. Yeah, I believe if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, and luckily tonight it was meant to be. “Pretorius also praised the atmosphere within the Unicorn camp.“Yeah, it’s really good. It’s one of the best environments I’ve played cricket in. I haven’t played in a lot of teams, but, yeah, it’s one of the best environments, if not the best, I’ve been a part of. Yeah, I’m really grateful to be here. It’s been so much fun.”“I was actually using Finn (Finn Allen’s) bat. I thought if I had used my own bat, I wouldn’t have been able to hit those big sixes. I would ask him nicely now if he could put the bat in my bag (smile). “
Matt Short, Hardie have great skills
Earlier, San Francisco Unicorns played a disciplined bowling game and restricted MI New York to 143/9 in 20 overs.Ryan Rickelton top-scored with 35 off 21 balls while Sunny Patel made 32 off 23 balls. Captain Nicholas Pooran made 19 off 24 balls and Kieron Pollard made 16 off 13 balls.Captain Matthew Short led the way with the ball in the front and took 3/24 in four overs. Aaron Hardie took 2/17 while Haris Rauf also took two wickets. Brody Couch and Anirudh Immanuel had one goal each.
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