Pakistan-born Hassan Khan shines as Unicorns secure Qualifier spot in MLC 2024

Pakistan-born Hassan Khan delivered a match-winning cameo for the San Francisco Unicorns, securing their place in the Qualifier match of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024.

Washington Freedom, after being asked to bat first, managed to score 174 runs for the loss of three wickets in 15.3 overs, thanks to the consistent drizzle. Opening batters Travis Head and skipper Steve Smith each scored 56 runs, forming a formidable 100-run opening stand.

On the bowling front, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf struggled, conceding 20 runs in his two-over spell without taking a wicket. Corey Anderson, however, picked up two crucial wickets.

The Unicorns were set a revised target of 177 runs in 14 overs under the DLS method. 

Their chase began on a rocky note, with opener Finn Allen falling to Akeal Hosein on the very first ball. Despite this early setback, Sanjay Krishnamurthi (79*) and Josh Inglis (45) kept the innings afloat with aggressive knocks.

The spotlight, however, was on Hassan Khan, who played a brilliant match-winning cameo of 32 runs off just 11 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. 

His late flourish ensured that the Unicorns chased down the target, losing four wickets in just 13.4 overs.

This victory propels the San Francisco Unicorns to the next round of the tournament, where they will once again face Washington Freedom in the Qualifier match scheduled for July 25th.