CSK star left stranded on 94 in run chase as Powell's 15-ball 50 powers Knight Riders to maiden MLC final

Los Angeles Knight Riders have reached their maiden Major League Cricket (MLC) final with a seven-run win over San Francisco Unicorns at Oakland Coliseum on July 15. Rovman Powell's 15-ball fifty took Knight Riders to 187/3. In the run chase, Unicorns lost their openers for golden ducks. Skipper Matthew Short remained unbeaten for 62-ball 94 as Unicorns fell short of the target by eight runs.

Munro, Russell’s rare patient fifties

Unicorns skipper Short had won the toss and opted to bowl first. He struck early, getting Andre Fletcher out caught and bowled. Colin Munro targeted Ghulam Mudassar, hitting him for two sixes and as many fours in the fifth over. Andre Russell and Munro struggled in the middle overs. In the 14th over, Munro reached his half-century from 42 balls. Mudassar returned to attack and broke the partnership with Munro's wicket. He scored 51 runs from 44 balls.

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Powell’s carnage gives Knight Riders a chance

In the 16th over, Russell hit a six off Hassan Khan to complete his half-century from 41 balls. Mudassar finished his spell with Matthew Tromp's wicket. Powell arrived at the crease in the 17th over. In the penultimate over, Powell hit Haris Rauf for three consecutive sixes. In the final over, Powell hit Xavier Bartlett for two sixes. He reached his fifty from just 15 balls on the last ball of the innings. Knight Riders posted 187/3.

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Narine strikes twice in 1st over

Skipper Sunil Narine gave Knight Riders an early advantage, dismissing big-hitters Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Finn Allen for golden ducks in the first over. Short broke the shackles against Narine hit four fours in the third over. Knight Riders missed an opportunity to run out Sanjay Krishnamurthi. In the sixth over, Krishnmaurthi hit Shadley van Schalkwyk for two sixes and a four. Unicorns were 62/2 after powerplay overs.

Short’s 94 not enough

In the 11th over, Short reached his fifty from 33 balls. Unicorns seemed to be cruising towards the target. In the 14th over, Krishnamurthi completed his half-century from 36 balls. In the 18th over, Van Schalkwyk broke the partnership with Krishnamurthi's wicket. He scored 65 runs from 47 balls in the 151-run partnership for the third wicket. Russell bowled a brilliant penultimate over, conceding just six runs. In the final over, Unicorns needed 18 runs. A well-set Short couldn't finish it off. Van Schalkwyk dismissed Aaron Hardie and conceded just one six as Unicorns lost the match by seven runs. Short remained unbeaten for 94 off 62 balls, including 10 fours and a couple of sixes.

Unicorns not out of tournament
Unicorns will now face Steve Smith’s Washington Freedom in the Challenger clash on July 16. Washington Freedom chased down 267 against MI New York, breaking all-time T20 world record. Andries Gous and Smith scored centuries in the run chase.