Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns, Qualifier, MLC 2024 Preview, Playing 11, Pitch Report, and Live Streaming Details
In the twenty-third match which is also the Playoffs Qualifier of the MLC 2024 tournament, the Washington Freedom will take on the San Fransisco Unicorns in the qualifier matchup of MLC 2024. The pair met in their final match in the group stage where the Unicorns came out on top by 6 wickets.
MLC 2024 Qualifier, Match Details and Head-to-Heads
The match will begin on July 26 at 6:00 AM IST in India and July 25 at 7:30 pm local time in the USA. The Teams Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns played 2 Games since 2023. They are tied 1-1 in the head-to-head.
Washington vs San Francisco, MLC 2024 Qualifier Match, Squad News
San Francisco Unicorns
Finn Allen was dismissed for a duck in the previous game for the San Francisco Unicorns, but his aggressive style can be crucial at the top. Jake Fraser-McGurk showed promise but got out after a quick start and might be retained to provide stability. Sanjay Krishnamurthi starred with a match-winning 79* and should be a key player again. Josh Inglis played a crucial role with 45 runs, making his form vital for the middle order. Sherfane Rutherford was dismissed for a duck, but his all-round skills might keep him in the XI. Hassan Khan contributed with a quick 32* and bowled economically, likely ensuring his retention.
As captain and a crucial all-rounder, Corey Anderson remains significant to the team. Tajinder Dhillon contributed in the field and with the ball and might be retained. Juanoy Drysdale was expensive with the ball but could be given another chance. Matt Henry bowled economically and might retain his place, while Haris Rauf, despite going wicketless last game, is a key bowler. Potential changes could include bringing in Matthew Short or Pat Cummins to strengthen batting or pace attack, respectively, or Abrar Ahmed if the pitch favors spin.
Strategic adjustments for the San Francisco Unicorns might include strengthening their batting depth or pace attack depending on the pitch conditions. They could also consider bringing in an additional spinner if the pitch supports spin.
Washington Freedom
Travis Head has been a consistent performer at the top for the Washington Freedom and is likely to be retained. Steven Smith, as captain and key batsman, will continue to lead from the front. Andries Gous performed well and is likely to retain his place, while Rachin Ravindra played a small but important cameo and bowled decently. Jack Edwards contributed with the ball but might need to step up with the bat. Obus Pienaar did not get a chance to bat but might be retained for his all-round capabilities. Mukhtar Ahmed played a short innings, and his position might be reviewed.
Justin Dill was economical with the ball and might keep his place, and Akeal Hosein bowled well and took key wickets, making him important for the spin attack. Andrew Tye was expensive but took wickets, so he is likely to be retained for his experience. Saurabh Netravalkar bowled economically and might be retained as well. Potential changes could include bringing in Glenn Maxwell to strengthen the middle order and provide an additional spin option or Marco Jansen to add variety and height to the bowling attack. Lockie Ferguson could be considered to boost the pace attack if the pitch favors fast bowlers.
Washington Freedom might aim to balance their lineup with more all-round options like Maxwell or Jansen to provide depth in both batting and bowling. They could also focus on containing the Unicorns’ aggressive top order.
Washington vs San Francisco, MLC 2024 Qualifier Match, Possible Playing Eleven
San Francisco Unicorns: Finn Allen, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Josh Inglis, Corey Anderson, Sherfane Rutherford, Hassan Khan, Matthew Short, Matt Henry, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Washington Freedom: Travis Head, Steven Smith, Andries Gous, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, Marco Jansen, Andrew Tye, Saurabh Netravalkar
MLC 2024 Qualifier, Match 23, Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, Texas, is known for its batting-friendly conditions that also offer assistance to pacers, especially in overcast weather. In the last five T20I matches at this venue, the average score has been 166. A total of 64 wickets have been taken, with 35 by pacers and 29 by spinners. Teams winning the toss have opted to bowl first 92% of the time, with teams bowling first winning 58.33% of the matches.
Considering the pitch conditions and recent match statistics, the team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first to take advantage of the early assistance for pacers and assess the pitch conditions under overcast weather. A balanced attack featuring both pace and spin will be key.
Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns, MLC 2024 Qualifier, Match 23, LIVE Telecast and LIVE Streaming Details
Where to Watch MLC 2024 in India?
Fans in India can watch the game on JioCinema, the Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, and Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD channels.
Where to Watch MLC 2024 in the USA?
Fans in the USA can watch the match on Willow by Cricbuzz, YES Network.
