MLC 2025: Mitchell Owen's Five-For Stuns Unicorns as Washington Freedom Clinch Victory, End San Francisco's Perfect Run

The San Francisco Unicorns' previously unblemished record in MLC 2025 met its end as the Washington Freedom secured a dramatic victory. While the Unicorns still lead the points table, their position is now only secured by a marginal net run rate advantage. The hero of the hour was Mitchell Owen, whose sensational five-wicket haul propelled Washington Freedom to a 12-run triumph in Dallas on Saturday.

Unicorns captain Matthew Short continued his impressive form, leading the chase of a target of 170. The target seemed achievable considering recent high-scoring matches. Despite limited support from Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Unicorns reached 52 for 1 during the powerplay.

Short received some support from Sanjay Krishnamurthi, but after Short was dismissed in the 11th over for a dominant 67, the chase began to falter. With 73 runs needed, the Unicorns' middle order looked to be in a comfortable position.

Then came Mitchell Owen's game-changing spell. He dismissed Short in his first over and then followed up with the wickets of Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd in consecutive deliveries. Supported by wickets from Jack Edwards and Ian Holland, the Unicorns crumbled to 113 for 7 by the 16th over.

Owen returned in the 19th over to dismiss tailenders Haris Rauf and Brody Couch, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 17.

With 27 runs required from the final over, Jahmar Hamilton fought hard with an unbeaten 31 off 18 balls. However, Saurabh Netravalkar held his nerve, conceding only 14 runs to seal the victory for the Washington Freedom.

Earlier in the match, the Freedom struggled early after choosing to bat, finding themselves in trouble at 13 for 3 within three overs. Xavier Bartlett's fiery opening spell accounted for Owen (first ball), Rachin Ravindra, and Andries Gous.

Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply, but Jack Edwards and Glenn Phillips stabilized the innings with a 71-run partnership off 64 balls. Phillips accelerated the scoring during a 31-run partnership in just 12 deliveries with Obus Pienaar. After Phillips was dismissed for a 39-ball 58, Pienaar finished with an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls, alongside Mukhtar Ahmed.

Both teams now have six wins in seven matches, but the Unicorns hold a significant net run rate advantage—2.016 compared to Washington’s 0.603.

Match Summary:

Washington Freedom: 169/6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 58, Jack Edwards 42, Obus Pienaar 30*; Xavier Bartlett 32/4, Romario Shepherd 28/1)

San Francisco Unicorns: 157/9 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 67, Jahmar Hamilton 31*, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 24; Mitchell Owen 17/5, Ian Holland 23/1, Amila Aponso 23/1)