NEW DELHI: Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed his maiden T20 century to power San Francisco Unicorns to a dominant nine-wicket victory over MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday.Chasing a modest target of 144, the young South African wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 102 from just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. He reached his maiden T20 hundred at a strike rate of 196.15 and guided the Unicorn home in just 15.4 overs. Pretorius was adjudged Player of the Match.The big win helped the San Francisco Unicorns move to the top of the points table. They now have five wins and three losses from eight games, with 10 points and a net run rate of +0.590.MI New York, on the other hand, fell to third place. They have four wins and four losses from eight games, with eight points and a net run rate of -0.208.
Pretorius has a strong pursuit
San Francisco started off with Pretorius and Finn Allen adding 52 runs for the opening wicket.Allen scored 20 off 17 balls, including three fours, before being dismissed by Romario Shepherd.Pretorius, however, continued to dominate the MI New York bowlers. He found support from captain Matthew Short, who remained unbeaten on 19 off 25 balls, as the pair stitched an unbroken 94-run stand for the second wicket.Pretorius ended the chase in style with his maiden T20 century, ensuring the Unicorns reached 146/1 with 26 balls to spare.
Pretorius is happy after his maiden T20 hundred
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Pretorius admitted that reaching three figures was on his mind, having failed twice before.“Well, first in my mind is to get the team on the line and win the game, but I would be lying if I said that 100 did not play in the back of my mind because I failed a few times.“We (Pretorius and captain Matthew Short) just joke about it, no, really. We don’t really talk about it. But in the back of my mind I really want 100. But the most important part is getting the team over the line and I’m glad we can do it. And yes, I’m a believer if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, and luckily it’s meant to be tonight.”Pretorius also praised the atmosphere inside the Unicorns camp.“Yes, very good. It’s one of the best environments I’ve played cricket in. I haven’t played in many teams, but yes, it’s one of the best environments, if not the best, I’ve been a part of. And yes, I’m very grateful to be here. It’s been fun.”“I actually used Finn’s (Finn Allen) bat. I think if I used my own bat I wouldn’t have hit those big sixes. I’ll ask him now if I can have the bat and put it in my bag (smiles).”
Matt Short, Hardie shines on the ball
Earlier, San Francisco Unicorns produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict MI New York to 143/9 in their 20 overs.Ryan Rickelton top-scored with 35 off 21 balls, while Sunny Patel made 32 off 23. Captain Nicholas Pooran struggled for 19 off 24 balls, and Kieron Pollard made 16 off 13.Captain Matthew Short led from the front with the ball, taking 3/24 in four overs. Aaron Hardie claimed 2/17, while Haris Rauf also took two wickets. Brody Couch and Anirudh Immanuel chipped in with one wicket each.