By Tim Douglas 
Barrett’s Ice, Khan’s Fire Drive Unicorns to Another Last-Over Win
The San Francisco Unicorns continued their red-hot form in the 2025 Cognizant Major League Cricket, pulling off a dramatic 3-wicket win over MI New York with five balls to spare, thanks to a pair of clutch performances from Xavier Barrett and Hassan Khan.
Early Collapse Threatens Unicorns’ Chase
Chasing 183 for victory, the Unicorns were in disarray at 42/4 at the end of the powerplay. MI New York’s bowling unit, led by Naveen-ul-Haq and Sunny Patel, ripped through the top order, dismissing Finn Allen, Fraser-McGurk, Krishnamurthi, and Connolly in quick succession.
It seemed like the chase was slipping away until Hassan Khan played a counterattacking gem. His 43 off 22 balls, featuring five sixes, including a 17-run over off Ehsan Adil, gave the innings a much-needed boost.
Barrett Holds His Nerve in Pressure Finale
Once Khan departed in the 12th over, the pressure shifted back onto the Unicorns. But Xavier Barrett, with composure beyond his years, took control. His game-defining assault came in the 15th over when he hammered Michael Bracewell for three sixes, cutting the required rate drastically.
The final twist came when skipper Corey Anderson was dismissed in the 16th over. But Barrett remained unflustered. Facing one of T20’s finest finishers, Trent Boult, in the 17th, Barrett struck 14 runs off three balls, practically sealing the match.
The climax fittingly arrived with Barrett finishing unbeaten on 59, launching a six in the final over to take San Francisco to 188/7 and register their third consecutive win.
De Kock, Pollard Star in Vain for MI New York
Earlier, MI New York posted 182/7 after being put in to bat. Quinton de Kock was electric, scoring 63 off 38 balls, while Kieron Pollard provided a late flourish with five towering sixes.
Haris Rauf and Carmi Le Roux shared four wickets between them, but it was Hassan Khan’s two wickets and his all-round effort that truly shifted the balance.
What’s Next?
With this win, San Francisco Unicorns strengthen their early dominance in MLC 2025. They next face Texas Super Kings on Friday, while MI New York will look to bounce back against the Seattle Orcas on Wednesday.
Stay tuned to HomeOfT20.com for full coverage, highlights, and player insights from Major League Cricket 2025.
Zainab Shafiq