Haris Rauf shines as San Francisco Unicorns maintain unbeaten run in MLC 2025

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf put on a match-winning performance to help San Francisco Unicorns beat Seattle Orcas by 32 runs in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Wednesday.

Chasing 177, the Orcas were bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, thanks to a fiery four-wicket spell from Rauf. With this victory, the Unicorns extended their unbeaten streak to six matches and continue to lead the MLC 2025 points table.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, the Unicorns lost opener Finn Allen early for just 4 runs. However, Jake Fraser-McGurk and captain Matthew Short built a solid 68-run partnership to steady the innings. Fraser-McGurk made 34 off 21 balls before falling, and Short went on to score 52 before being dismissed in the 10th over.

The middle order struggled as Hassan Khan (1) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (4) departed quickly, leaving the Unicorns at 97 for 5. Romario Shepherd then turned the tide with a quickfire 56 off 31 balls, including three sixes in the final over before being dismissed by Obed McCoy. His late burst lifted the team to 176 for 8 in 20 overs.

Gerald Coetzee and Harmeet Singh picked up three wickets each for the Orcas, while McCoy and Cameron Gannon took one apiece.

In response, Seattle began well with a 66-run opening stand between Shayan Jahangir (40) and David Warner (23). But once both were dismissed in quick succession, the rest of the batting line-up collapsed under pressure.

Kyle Mayers fell without scoring, skipper Heinrich Klaasen made just 7, and the rest of the middle order failed to provide resistance. Haris Rauf took control with key wickets, including the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer who hit 30 off 16 balls.

Rauf ended with figures of 4 for 32. Matthew Short and Romario Shepherd also contributed with three and two wickets respectively.

With this win, the San Francisco Unicorns remain the only unbeaten side in the competition. On the other hand, Seattle Orcas are still winless and sit at the bottom of the table.