NEW DELHI: Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed his maiden T20 century to power the San Francisco Unicorns to a dominant nine-wicket victory over MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday.Chasing a modest target of 144, the young South African wicketkeeper batsman remained unbeaten on 102 from just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. He reached his maiden T20 hundred at a strike rate of 196.15 and guided the Unicorns home in just 15.4 overs. Pretorius was awarded the Player of the Match.The massive win helped the San Francisco Unicorns move to the top of the points table. They now have five wins and three losses from eight games, with 10 points and a net run rate of +0.590.MI New York, meanwhile, dropped to third place. They have four wins and four losses from eight games, with eight points and a net run rate of -0.208.
Pretorius allows for easy hunting
San Francisco got off to a flying start with Pretorius and Finn Allen adding 52 runs for the opening wicket.Allen scored 20 off 17 balls, including three fours, before he was dismissed by Romario Shepherd.Pretorius, however, continued to dominate the MI New York bowlers. He found support from captain Matthew Short, who was unbeaten on 19 off 25 balls, as the pair stitched an unbroken 94-run stand for the second wicket.Pretorius finished the chase in style with his maiden T20 century, ensuring the Unicorns reached 146/1 with 26 balls to spare.
Pretorius happy after the maiden T20 hundred
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Pretorius admitted that reaching three figures was on his mind, having fallen short twice before.“Well, first in my mind was getting the team on the line and winning the game, but I would be lying if I said that the 100 didn’t play in the back of my mind because I fell short a couple of times. But yes, it was pretty fun and I’m really happy that we got the victory.”“We (Pretorius and captain Matthew Short) were just joking, no, actually. We didn’t really talk at all. But in the back of my mind I really wanted the 100. But the most important part was to get the team over the line and I’m glad we could do it. And yes, I’m a believer if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, and luckily it was meant to be tonight.”Pretorius also praised the atmosphere in the Unicorns camp.“Yes, really good. It’s one of the best environments I’ve played cricket in. I haven’t played in many teams, but yes, it’s one of the best environments, if not the best, I’ve been a part of. And yes, I’m really grateful to be here.“I had to use Finn’s (Finn Allen) bat. I think if I used my own bat I wouldn’t have been able to hit those big sixes. I’m going to ask him right now if I can have the bat and keep it in my bag (smiles).
Matt Short, Hardie shines with the ball
Earlier, San Francisco Unicorns produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict MI New York to 143/9 in their 20 overs.Ryan Rickelton scored with 35 off 21 balls, while Sunny Patel made 32 off 23. Captain Nicholas Pooran struggled for 19 from 24 balls, and Kieron Pollard managed 16 off 13.Captain Matthew Short led from the front with the ball, picking up 3/24 in four overs. Aaron Hardie claimed 2/17, while Haris Rauf also took two wickets. Brody Couch and Anirudh Immanuel chipped in with a wicket each.