Washington Freedom (WF) secured their place in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 final after defeating San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) by seven runs in a thrilling Challenger clash at the Oakland Coliseum. A blistering batting display led by Andries Gous helped Freedom post a daunting total before their bowlers produced a composed effort in the closing stages to deny a spirited chase inspired by Matthew Short.
The victory sends Washington Freedom into the MLC 2026 final, where they will face Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in the title clash at the Oakland Coliseum. Freedom have now won back-to-back knockout matches after completing the highest successful run chase in T20 history against MI New York (MINY) in the Eliminator before overcoming the Unicorns in another high-scoring thriller.
Andries Gous powers Washington Freedom to imposing total
After being put in to bat, Washington Freedom piled up an imposing 238/6 in their 20 overs. Openers Mitchell Owen and captain Steve Smith provided the perfect platform with an explosive start, adding a rapid half-century partnership inside the first five overs. Smith struck 43 off just 20 deliveries, while Owen blasted 42 from only 19 balls to put the Unicorns under early pressure.
The innings was then carried forward brilliantly by wicketkeeper-batter Gous, who continued his outstanding run of form with a superb 73 off 40 balls. His aggressive strokeplay ensured Freedom maintained a high scoring rate throughout the innings. Among the San Francisco bowlers, Xavier Bartlett emerged as the standout performer, picking up three wickets while conceding 36 runs to prevent an even bigger total.
Matthew Short’s brilliant century ends in heartbreak
Chasing 239, San Francisco Unicorns found themselves under pressure early, but their captain Short produced one of the finest knocks of the tournament. The left-handed opener played a breathtaking unbeaten innings of 121 from just 56 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and eight sixes to keep the chase alive until the very end.
Short found valuable support late in the innings from Bartlett, who contributed an unbeaten 28 off just 13 balls as the pair threatened to pull off a remarkable victory. However, Washington Freedom held their composure in the closing overs.
Ben Dwarshuis struck twice at crucial moments, while Saurabh Netravalkar also chipped in with an important wicket. With the Unicorns needing a late surge, Owen delivered an excellent final over, conceding only 13 runs and finishing with a pinpoint yorker on the last ball to seal a memorable seven-run victory.
