The third season of Major League Cricket (MLC) kicks off with a blockbuster clash as San Francisco Unicorns take on defending champions Washington Freedom. Match 1 is scheduled for June 13 at the Oakland Coliseum in California and will set the tone for an exciting tournament.
Both teams are ready to begin their campaign with a strong performance. San Francisco Unicorns will look to start with a win, while Washington Freedom aims to continue their winning momentum from last season.
This article will provide complete details about MLC Match 1, including team squads, key players to watch, and how to purchase tickets.
San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom – Match 1 Details
| Match 1 | San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom |
| Date | 13 June 2025 |
| Time (IST) | 6:30 AM |
| Venue | Oakland Coliseum, California |
Get ready for a thrilling start to Major League Cricket 2025 as the action begins in California.
The opening match brings early excitement for viewers on June 13, with the first ball set to be bowled at 6:30 AM IST.
Pitch Report
The Oakland Coliseum is a new addition to the Major League Cricket venues for the 2025 season, marking its debut as a cricket stadium. The surface here is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Early on, the pitch tends to provide good bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers with some movement off the seam.
As the game progresses, the wicket generally becomes better for batting, allowing stroke-makers to play freely.
San Francisco Unicorns & Washington Freedom Squads
Both San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom have fine-tuned their squads ahead of the upcoming Major League Cricket season, bringing in fresh faces and strategic reinforcements to boost their title hopes.
The franchises have shown intent with key overseas signings and domestic inclusions.
Here are the updated squads of both teams ahead of MLC 2025:
San Francisco Unicorns
Batters – Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sanjay Krishnamurthi
All-Rounders – Achilles Browne, Corey Anderson(C), Hammad Azam, Hassan Khan, Matthew Short
Wicketkeepers – Finn Allen, Tim Seifert
Bowlers – Brody Couch, Carmi le Roux, Haris Rauf, Juanoy Drysdale, Karima Gore, Liam Plunkett
Washington Freedom
Batters – Mukhtar Ahmed, Steve Smith (C)
All-Rounders – Glenn Maxwell, Ian Holland, Jack Edwards, Justin Dill, Obus Pienaar, Rachin Ravindra, Marco Jansen
Wicketkeepers – Andries Gous, Lahiru Milantha
Bowlers – Abhishek Paradkar, Amila Aponso, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar, Yasir Mohammad
San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom – Head to Head
San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom have faced each other in a total of three matches in Major League Cricket history, with the reigning champions Washington Freedom holding a slight edge with two wins to the Unicorns’ one.
Let’s have a look at their Head-to-Head Stats:
| Parameter | San Francisco Unicorns | Washington Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 3 | 3 |
| Wins | 1 | 2 |
| Highest total | 177/4 | 207/5 |
| Lowest total | 103 | 133/8 |
| Highest individual score | Sanjay Krishnamurthi – 79* | Steve Smith – 88 |
| Best bowling figure | Haris Rauf – 3/20 | Saurabh Netravalkar – 6/9 |
SFU vs WAF: Players to Watch Out For
As San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom gear up for another thrilling clash in Major League Cricket, both teams boast standout performers capable of turning the game on its head.
From fiery pacers to explosive batters and seasoned tacticians, these key players bring experience, skill, and match-winning ability.
Here’s a look at the top three players from each side who could make the biggest impact.
San Francisco Unicorns
1. Haris Rauf
The Pakistani pace machine is known for his raw speed and deadly yorkers. Rauf is a strike weapon for SFU, especially in the death overs.
With the ability to rattle batters and pick key wickets, he’ll be crucial in disrupting Washington’s top and middle order when pressure builds.
2. Matthew Short
A dynamic top-order batter, Matthew Short brings aggression and flexibility to the Unicorns’ batting unit.
He can provide fast starts in the powerplay and also bowl useful off-spin. His ability to adapt quickly and impact both innings makes him a valuable all-round presence in the squad.
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk
Known for his explosive batting, Fraser-McGurk is a serious power-hitter at the top. He can change the game in just a few overs with fearless strokeplay. If he gets going early, SFU could get big runs quickly. His fearless mindset and form make him a key asset in the lineup.
Washington Freedom
1. Steve Smith
The experienced Australian is the backbone of Washington Freedom’s batting. With a composed and tactical approach, Smith can anchor innings and guide successful chases or set commanding totals.
His 88-run knock in the 2024 final showed why he’s one of the most reliable performers under pressure in any format.
2. Marco Jansen
The tall South African left-arm quick is an all-round threat. With the ball, he generates bounce and swing, troubling batters early. With the bat, he’s more than capable of finishing innings with power.
Jansen’s dual ability adds vital balance to Washington’s playing XI, making him a top match-winner on both fronts.
3. Saurabh Netravalkar
America’s pace spearhead, Netravalkar, famously took 6/9 against SFU in 2023. His accuracy, control, and ability to move the ball make him a constant wicket threat. As one of MLC’s standout bowlers, he’ll play a key role in breaking partnerships and applying pressure throughout the innings.
How to Get Tickets?
Here are four easy ways to book tickets for the San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom match at the Oakland Coliseum:
1. Official MLC Website
Visit the official Major League Cricket ticketing site: Official MLC Tickets Website
2. Select Your Match & Venue
Find the SFU vs WF match scheduled at the Oakland Coliseum, California, and select it.
3. Choose Your Seats
Pick your preferred seating section and the number of tickets you want.
4. Confirm & Receive Your Ticket
Complete the secure payment process and get your e-ticket via email once the purchase is confirmed.
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Conclusion: Major League Cricket 2025 Begins With Exciting SFU vs WF Match!
The opening clash between San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom promises to be a thrilling start to Major League Cricket 2025. Both teams have strengthened their squads and boast match-winners capable of changing the game at any moment.
The defending champions, Washington Freedom, will look to continue their dominance, while the Unicorns aim to make a strong statement in their home venue.
This match will set the tone for the entire season, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts eager to see who takes an early lead in this exciting tournament.
