Lhuan-dre Pretorius stars as San Francisco Unicorns cruise past Texas Super Kings by seven wickets

The San Francisco Unicorns registered their first victory of the 2026 Major League Cricket season with a commanding seven-wicket win over the Texas Super Kings at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Saturday.After winning the toss and electing to field, the Unicorns produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict Texas Super Kings to 152/9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, a composed unbeaten innings from opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius ensured San Francisco chased down the target with ease, reaching 153/3 in 17.5 overs.

Siddle leads Unicorns' bowling charge

Texas Super Kings endured a difficult start after being put into bat. Their top order failed to capitalize on the powerplay as captain Faf du Plessis departed for just six runs, while Saiteja Mukkamalla managed only one before heading back to the pavilion.With the innings in danger of unraveling, Rilee Rossouw attempted to steady the ship. The South African left-hander struck 36 off 29 deliveries and looked set for a bigger score before a run-out cut short his stay at the crease.The Super Kings struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Unicorns bowling attack. Veteran Australian pacer Peter Siddle was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 36 runs. Captain Matthew Short complemented him perfectly, returning figures of 2/25 from his four overs and ensuring Texas never gained complete control of the innings.

A late flourish from Hardus Viljoen helped the Super Kings post a competitive total. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 33 from 24 balls, guiding his side past the 150-run mark as they finished on 152/9.

Pretorius anchors clinical chase

The Unicorns' chase began with an early setback when Finn Allen was dismissed for just one run by Nandre Burger in the opening over. However, Pretorius and Matthew Short quickly wrestled back control of the contest. The pair added 82 runs for the second wicket in just 47 deliveries, putting the pressure firmly back on the Super Kings bowlers. Short played an aggressive hand, smashing 31 off 19 balls before falling after providing the perfect platform. Connor Esterhuizen chipped in with a useful 20, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi remained unbeaten on 19 as he joined Pretorius in completing the chase.Pretorius finished unbeaten on 69 off 55 balls and was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.