League: Cricket
The 16th match of the Major League Cricket 2024 at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, witnessed a moment of absolute comedic chaos that left the crowd in stitches. With the San Francisco Unicorns batting first, the drama unfolded during the over bowled by Mitchell Shepherd.
Faced with a testing off-speed short ball, Pat Cummins of San Francisco Unicorns nudged it towards the left of the backward point. What transpired next defied logic and had everyone, from players to spectators, erupting in laughter.
Corey Anderson, the non-striker, completely misread the play. Assuming a single was on, he sprinted down the pitch, only to realize Cummins had barely dabbed the ball. Simultaneously, Cummins, perhaps momentarily caught off guard, also started running towards the wicketkeeper’s end.
The scene descended into a hilarious mix-up. Both batters, resembling startled deer caught in headlights, converged at the striker’s end. Panic ensued. The MI New York fielder, presented with a golden opportunity for a run-out, had a shy at the stumps. However, his throw lacked conviction, perhaps mirroring the overall befuddlement on the field.
Adding to the comedy of errors, the ever-alert Kieron Pollard, stationed near the crease for New York, attempted a desperate underarm flick towards the stumps. Unfortunately, Pollard’s throw mirrored the fielder’s effort – lacking direction and purpose.
The combined ineptitude of both sides left the bails undisturbed. Realizing the coast was clear, Anderson displayed a surprising burst of athleticism, diving full-length to regain his crease. Umpires signalled “no run,” and the laughter simmering throughout the sequence erupted in full force.
The San Francisco Unicorns secured a thrilling 3-run victory over the defending champions MI New York in a dramatic encounter at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. This win not only confirms their playoff berth but also throws the qualification race wide open for the other teams.
The Unicorns were off to a shaky start, losing wickets in clusters. Left-handed Corey Anderson (59) steadied the ship with a fighting half-century, ably supported by a vital knock from Hassan Khan (44). Noshthush Kenjige (2-13) and Trent Bolt (2-35) were the pick of the MI New York bowlers, keeping the pressure on the Unicorns throughout the innings.
MI New York’s chase started brightly with a well-paced fifty from Dewald Brevis (56). However, the middle order faltered, and the dismissal of Nicholas Pooran (26) put the brakes on the chase.
Matt Short‘s three wickets (3-27) and some disciplined bowling from Brody Crouch (2-27) kept MI New York in check. Despite a late surge from Heath Richards, MI, New York fell short by a narrow margin of 3 runs, their title defence hanging by a thread.