Finn Allen’s Fireworks Light Up Oakland as San Francisco Unicorns Smash Records in MLC Opener

A Night to Remember in Major League Cricket 2025

The 2025 season of Major League Cricket (MLC) got off to a spectacular start as the San Francisco Unicorns delivered a crushing 123-run victory over Washington Freedom in the opening match at Oakland Coliseum. It was not just a win—it was a statement, a historic performance that etched new records into the league’s history books and thrilled fans with an unforgettable display of power-hitting and dominance.

Finn Allen Delivers a Record-Breaking Masterclass

At the center of this remarkable triumph stood New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen, whose blistering knock of 151 runs from just 56 balls lit up the stadium. Smashing an astonishing 19 sixes, Allen not only set the tone for the season but also rewrote the T20 record books by recording the fastest 150 in the format’s history.

His innings single-handedly propelled the Unicorns to a towering 269 for 5, the highest team total ever recorded in MLC. The previous bests—both individual and team—stood no chance against the pace and precision of Allen’s bat.

Supporting Allen’s onslaught was a well-paced contribution from Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who added 36 runs off 20 balls. Hassan Khan further boosted the team’s finish with a powerful unbeaten 38 from 18 deliveries. Washington Freedom’s bowlers struggled under the pressure, with nearly every bowler conceding runs at an economy rate exceeding 10 per over.

Washington Freedom Collapse After Promising Start

In response to the Unicorns’ mountain of a score, Washington Freedom began their chase with a glimmer of hope. An opening partnership of 80 runs between Mitchell Owen (39) and Rachin Ravindra (42) hinted at a possible counterattack. But that hope quickly faded.

The middle order crumbled under pressure, losing six wickets for just 20 runs, turning what started as a chase into a collapse. Only Jack Edwards and Ben Sears managed to reach double digits beyond the openers, as the rest fell in quick succession.

The Unicorns’ bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf (3 for 30) and Hassan Khan (3 for 38), was relentless and unforgiving. The discipline and aggression of their bowlers shut down any chances of a comeback, sealing the largest margin of victory in MLC’s short history.

Player of the Match Shines on Opening Night

Finn Allen was named Player of the Match, and rightly so. Speaking after the game, he expressed his joy at such a powerful start to the tournament.

“It’s a great feeling to contribute in this way. The conditions were perfect for batting, and once I found rhythm, everything clicked. Playing in front of this crowd, for this team—it’s just special,” said Allen.

His confident tone and commanding performance set the tone for what could be a breakout season not just for himself, but for the San Francisco Unicorns as a whole.

Leadership Reflections and Lessons for Freedom

Washington Freedom’s captain Glenn Maxwell acknowledged the dominance of Allen’s innings and reflected on his team’s performance.

“Finn was outstanding. He had a clear plan, and he executed it perfectly. We had a solid start, but once the wickets started to fall, we lost momentum and couldn’t recover. In T20, small moments can flip the game completely,” Maxwell shared.

His candid response reflects the challenges of T20 cricket—where maintaining focus and consistency is often the difference between a win and a collapse.

What’s Next in MLC 2025

The action is far from over. With the tournament underway, the Oakland Coliseum is set to host nine matches, promising more electrifying cricket for fans in the coming weeks.

Up next, the reigning champions MI New York will face off against the Texas Super Kings in what promises to be another high-octane clash. As teams line up to compete for supremacy, the Unicorns have already raised the bar, setting new expectations for excellence.

With performances like these, MLC 2025 is shaping up to be a season filled with drama, talent, and unforgettable moments. Cricket fans around the world can buckle up for a thrilling ride.