Watch: Adam Gilchrist keeps wickets to Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose

The 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) got off to a rousing start at the Oakland Coliseum, not only because of Finn Allen’s record-breaking innings but also thanks to a nostalgic moment that brought cricket’s rich history to centre stage. In a special tribute to the game, West Indian greats Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh rolled back the years by delivering the ceremonial first balls on the newly-laid pitch. Standing behind the stumps was none other than Australian legend Adam Gilchrist, donning the gloves in what was a heartwarming moment for fans.

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Although there was no batter at the crease, the sight of Ambrose and Walsh sending down deliveries with Gilchrist keeping, created a buzz among spectators and set a symbolic tone for MLC’s aspirations in the United States.

It was a celebration of cricket’s past as well as a signal towards its growing future in North America.

Moments later, the focus shifted to modern fireworks as Finn Allen unleashed a T20 masterclass for the San Francisco Unicorns. His blistering 151 off just 51 balls broke multiple records — fastest 150 in T20 history, most sixes in a T20 innings (19), and the highest individual score in MLC. San Francisco posted a mammoth 269/5, the league’s highest total.

Washington Freedom, despite a brisk start, crumbled under pressure, folding for just 146. Haris Rauf starred with the ball, taking 3 for 30, helping SFU clinch a 123-run victory. Between legendary presence and explosive performance, MLC 2025 began with a night to remember.