Los Angeles Knight Riders vs San Francisco Unicorns Match Highlights & Results

And that's a wrap on today's thrilling game! The excitement continues in the MLC as the Qualifier game is set for Wednesday, July 9th at 12 AM GMT. The Washington Freedom will take on the Texas Super Kings in a battle for a spot in the final. Join us early for the pre-match hype and analysis as we count down to the big game. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Jason Holder, the skipper of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, says it feels good to get a win. Adds that they started well with the bat, and all the batters who came in kept the tempo. Shares that they were not good with the ball and dropped some chances that plagued them in the tournament. Mentions that there were many positives, but they failed to put a complete game together. Credits the fans who gave continued support. Closes by adding that they need to learn a bit quicker and come back strong next season.

Andre Fletcher is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his blistering knock. He says that he wanted to give himself some time and wanted to be positive. Adds that Alex Hales started well, so it made things easy for him. Shares that the wicket was a touch slow, but we wanted to put the bowlers under pressure, and happy that we finished with the win. Mentions that believing in himself and backing his ability helps with the performance. Closes by sharing that he is grateful for the opportunity and hopes to contribute to the side.

Presentation time...

Matthew Short, the San Francisco Unicorns skipper, says that he is happy with the fight their middle order gave. Adds that they gave away too many runs, but they are into the playoffs. He says that the injury of Shepherd is bad, and Haris Rauf is injured, so they will want the locals to step up in the playoffs.

Sanjay Krishnamurthi's dropped chances in the 5th over proved costly, as he went on to play a match-defining innings. For the Los Angeles Knight Riders, Karthik Gattepalli was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a crucial three-wicket haul to help his team defend their total. Earlier in the game, the LA Knight Riders' openers, Alex Hales and Andre Fletcher, blasted off to a strong start, with Hales scoring 58 off 26 balls. The pair added 97 runs before Hales' departure. Sherfane Rutherford joined Fletcher, and they added 94 runs together before Rutherford fell at 49 off 28 balls. Fletcher remained unbeaten, scoring his second century of the season, finishing at 118 off 58 balls. A rain delay reduced the game to 19 overs per side.

So, the San Francisco Unicorns will now face the MI New York in the Eliminator stage! They fell agonizingly short in their chase of 245, despite a valiant effort. After losing three quick wickets, Hassan Khan and Sanjay Krishnamurthi steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. Khan's quickfire 35 came to an end in the 8th over, but Krishnamurthi continued to fight, scoring a magnificent 92 before departing in the 15th over. Unfortunately, Hammad Azam's dismissal in the next over proved to be a turning point. Xavier Bartlett tried hard at the backend, but it was a tall ask, and the Unicorns fell short by just 11 runs (DLS method).

No more participation from the injured player and there's absent hurt written against the name of Romario Shepherd.No more participation from the injured player and there's absent hurt written against the name of Romario Shepherd.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Ben Lister, OUT! c Adithya Ganesh b Shadley van Schalkwyk.OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Shadley van Schalkwyk seals the deal for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Pitched full, angling across the batter. Ben Lister swings hard, gets the outside edge that is taken by Adithya Ganesh behind the stumps. Shadley van Schalkwyk ends with two wickets, and the Los Angeles Knight Riders finally get a win by 11 runs.

Ben Lister is the last batter for San Francisco Unicorns. Romario Shepherd will not bat due to injury.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Xavier Bartlett, OUT! c Karthik Gattepalli b Shadley van Schalkwyk.OUT! TAKEN! That should seal the game for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Bowls it full, angling across the batter. Xavier Bartlett looks to hack it through the leg side but gets a top edge that flies toward short third. Karthik Gattepalli takes a simple catch. San Francisco Unicorns slide further. 12 off two balls needed now.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Xavier Bartlett, Four!FOUR! FINDS THE ROPES! Low full toss, around off. Xavier Bartlett moves across and heaves it toward the deep mid-wicket region and gets the boundary. 12 needed off 3 now.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Brody Couch, Bye.BYE! Slower ball on a length, angled across. Brody Couch swings and misses. Xavier Bartlett calls through for a quick bye.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.Yorker length delivery, on off. Xavier Bartlett swings hard, gets an inside edge to the left of the keeper for a run.

Shadley van Schalkwyk has the responsibility to bowl the final over for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Can he defend this, or will the San Francisco Unicorns snatch the win?

Dominic Drakes to Brody Couch, Six!SIX! UP AND OVER! Back of a length delivery, outside off. Brody Couch carves it over the man at deep backward point for half a dozen. This game is not over yet. 18 needed off the final over. We are going down to the wire.

Dominic Drakes to Brody Couch, Four!FOUR! BANG! Pitched full, in the slot. Brody Couch clears the front leg and pumps it past the man at mid-off for a cracking boundary. 24 needed off 7 now.

Brody Couch walks in next.

Dominic Drakes to Karima Gore, OUT! run out (Adithya Ganesh).OUT! RUN-OUT! Adithya Ganesh hits bulls-eye! Bowls it short of a good length, just outside off. Karima Gore shuffles and looks to play the scoop, he misses, and Xavier Bartlett calls him for the bye. The keeper, Adithya Ganesh, gets a direct hit at the striker's end, and Karima Gore is a goner as he tries to run for the bye. San Francisco Unicorns are seven down.

Dominic Drakes to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.Full and at the sticks, Xavier Bartlett heaves it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for one.

Dominic Drakes to Karima Gore, 1 run.A brilliant yorker, on the leg stump. Karima Gore tries to work into the on-side, manages an inside edge onto the pad, the ball rolls toward short leg for a single.

Dominic Drakes to Xavier Bartlett, Leg bye.LEG BYE! Pitched full, angled into the leg pole. Xavier Bartlett swings across the line and misses onto the pad. The ball rolls toward the leg side and they steal a leg bye.

Dominic Drakes (3-0-31-1) is back into the attack.

Jason Holder to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.Full-length delivery angling across the batter. Xavier Bartlett bunts it toward long-off and can only manage a run. 31 needed off 12 balls for San Francisco Unicorns.

Jason Holder to Karima Gore, 1 run.Low full toss, on off. Karima Gore hits it toward long-on and they settle for a single.

Jason Holder to Karima Gore, No run.Back of a length, around off. Karima Gore reaches for it and drags it to the right of the bowler.

Jason Holder to Karima Gore, Wide!WIDE! Full, down the leg. Karima Gore flicks and misses. Wide signaled.

Jason Holder to Karima Gore, Four!FOUR! SMASHED! Pitched full, around off. Karima Gore gets underneath and drills it hard through extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Jason Holder to Karima Gore, No run.Back of a length, on off. Karima Gore flat-bats it toward Holder.

Karima Gore walks in.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, OUT! c Sherfane Rutherford b Jason Holder.OUT! CAUGHT! Full, on off, Hammad Azam shuffles across for a scoop. The ball carries and goes straight in the hands of Sherfane Rutherford at short fine. Hammad Azam departs after a fine knock.

Strategic Break! The San Francisco Unicorns are within touching distance of a thrilling win, requiring 38 runs off the final three overs. Xavier Bartlett and Hammad Azam have shown their hard-hitting skills, keeping the Unicorns in the hunt. The Los Angeles Knight Riders will need to tighten up their bowling to stem the flow of runs and defend their total. This match is set to go down to the wire...

Corne Dry to Xavier Bartlett, Four!FOUR! Well played! Too full, outside off, Xavier Bartlett opens the face of the bat and guides it through short third for a boundary.

Corne Dry to Xavier Bartlett, Wide!Wide! Too wide, outside off. Xavier Bartlett leaves.

Corne Dry to Xavier Bartlett, Six!SIX MORE! Excellent from Xavier Bartlett! A half tracker, on off, Xavier Bartlett hangs back and clatters it over deep mid-wicket for another biggie. 200 comes up for San Francisco Unicorns!

Corne Dry to Xavier Bartlett, Six!SIX! Up and over! Full, on leg, Xavier Bartlett picks it well and powers it over long on for a biggie.

Corne Dry to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Full, on leg, Hammad Azam flicks it fine for one.

Corne Dry to Hammad Azam, Six!SIX! The chase is still on! Full, outside off, Hammad Azam gets low and slashes it over point for a biggie.

Corne Dry to Hammad Azam, Wide!Wide! Width, way too wide. Wided.

Corne Dry to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.A low full toss, on leg, Xavier Bartlett flicks it to mid on for one.

Jason Holder to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.Lands it on off, Xavier Bartlett slaps it to mid off for one.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Short, outside off, Hammad Azam slaps it over point for one.

Jason Holder to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.Short and wide, Xavier Bartlett slaps it to cover for one.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Too full, on off, Hammad Azam taps it to mid off for one.

Jason Holder to Xavier Bartlett, 1 run.Full, on off, Xavier Bartlett pushes it to mid off for one.

Xavier Bartlett walks in.

Jason Holder to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, OUT! c sub Matthew Tromp b Jason Holder.OUT! TAKEN! A low full toss, on off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi looks to slap it but mistimes his stroke. The ball carries towards deep covers. Matthew Tromp (Sub) moves to his right and completes the catch. Sanjay Krishnamurthi departs for 92!

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Short, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!SIX! He moves to 91 now! Full, on off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi stands his ground and lofts it down the ground for a biggie.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Four!FOUR! Shot! Errs his line down the leg side, Sanjay Krishnamurthi uses the pace of the ball and flicks it fine for a boundary.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 2 runs.Full, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!SIX! Up and over! Short, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket for a biggie. This is really good batting.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Short, on leg, Hammad Azam tugs it to mid-wicket for one.

Dominic Drakes to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Lands it on off, Hammad Azam slaps it over covers for one.

Dominic Drakes to Hammad Azam, No run.Full, on off, Hammad Azam fends it back to the bowler.

Dominic Drakes to Hammad Azam, Six!SIX! They are hanging on in this chase! Short, on leg, Hammad Azam hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Dominic Drakes to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Lands it on off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi punches it to covers for one.

Dominic Drakes to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!DROPPED AND SIX! A tough one though! A full toss, Sanjay Krishnamurthi flicks. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder tries to take a one handed catch but just manages to get his hand as the ball goes over the ropes.

Dominic Drakes to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Four!FOUR! Streaky but they need those desparately! Short and wide, Sanjay Krishnamurthi looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary.

Saif Badar to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Short and wide, Sanjay Krishnamurthi slaps it to cover for one.

Saif Badar to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!SIX! Up and over! Fuller, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi gets low and slogs it over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stands.

Saif Badar to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Full, on leg, Hammad Azam flicks it to mid on for one.

Saif Badar to Hammad Azam, 2 runs.Lands it on off, Hammad Azam slashes it over point for a brace.

Saif Badar to Hammad Azam, Wide!Wide! Width, way too wide. Wided. Free hit continues...

Saif Badar to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, No ball!No ball! Bowls it on off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi drives it to covers for one. It's a no ball for overstepping. Free hit coming up...

Saif Badar to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!SIX! Fifty up for Sanjay Krishnamurthi! Full, outside off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi picks it well and hammers it over extra covers for a biggie.

Saif Badar to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Lands it on off, Hammad Azam looks to slog it but miscues it to covers for one.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Bowls it on leg, Hammad Azam pulls it to mid-wicket for one.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, No run.Length, outside off, Hammad Azam looks to slap it but misses.

Jason Holder to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Leg bye.Lands it down leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but turned down. Holder refers and Ball Tracking shows that it was pitching outside leg. The onfield decision stands.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Short, on leg, Hammad Azam pulls it towards mid-wicket for one.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, Four!FOUR! Well played! Fuller, outside off, Hammad Azam leans on and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, 2 runs.Short, on leg, Hammad Azam pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Jason Holder to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, No ball!No ball! High full toss, Sanjay Krishnamurthi pulls it over mid-wicket for one. No ball called for height. Free hit coming up...

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, No run.Bowls it on leg, Hammad Azam sweeps it to short fine. Dot.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, No run.Full, outside off, Hammad Azam looks to heave it but misses.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, Four!FOUR! Shot! Too full, down leg, Hammad Azam gets low and sweeps it past backward square leg for a boundary.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, 2 runs.Bowls it outside off, Hammad Azam slashes it over point for a brace.

Karthik Gattepalli to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Full, on off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi taps it to cover for one.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Flatter, on leg, Hammad Azam tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Jason Holder to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Four!FOUR! Shot! Short and wide, Sanjay Krishnamurthi slaps it over covers for a boundary.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Length, on off, Hammad Azam knocks it to long on for one.

Jason Holder to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Leg bye.Lands it down leg as the ball brushes Sanjay Krishnamurthi's pads and rolls fine. They cross for a leg bye.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, Bye.Outside off, Hammad Azam looks to slap it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters cross.

Jason Holder to Hammad Azam, No run.Full, on leg, Hammad Azam flicks it to short fine. Dot.

Jason Holder to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Short, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi pulls it over mid-wicket for one.

Karthik Gattepalli to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Flatter, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, 1 run.Short, on leg, Hammad Azam tucks it to mid on for one.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hammad Azam, No run.Too full, on off, Hammad Azam taps it to mid off.

Hammad Azam walks in.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hassan Khan, OUT! c Shadley van Schalkwyk b Karthik Gattepalli.OUT! CAUGHT! Shadley van Schalkwyk finally takes the catch! Short, outside off, Hassan Khan looks to play a reverse sweep but gets a top edge. The ball lobs towards backward point where Shadley van Schalkwyk completes the catch.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hassan Khan, Four!FOUR! Shot! Lands it on leg, Hassan Khan hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Karthik Gattepalli to Hassan Khan, 2 runs.Dropped! Full, on leg, Hassan Khan heaves it towards mid-wicket. The ball carries. The fielder runs forward and spills another catch. Single taken.

Corne Dry to Hassan Khan, 1 run.Length, on off, Hassan Khan taps it to wide mid off for one.

Corne Dry to Hassan Khan, 5 Wides!Five Wides! Bonus runs! Short and wide, Hassan Khan looks to slap it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the ball races away.

Corne Dry to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 1 run.Short, on off, Sanjay slaps it to point for one.

Corne Dry to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!SIX MORE! This is excellent! Full, on off, Sanjay Krishnamurthi moves forward and lifts it elegantly over long on for yet another biggie.

Corne Dry to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Six!SIX! Up and away! Short and wide, Sanjay Krishnamurthi picks it well and slaps it over covers for a biggie.

Corne Dry to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Four!FOUR! Well played! Length, on leg, Sanjay Krishnamurthi picks it well and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Corne Dry to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Wide!Wide! Down the leg side, Sanjay Krishnamurthi looks to flick it but misses.