Cricholic
📍 Dallas | 🗓 July 9 | 🕖 7 PM Local / 5:30 AM IST
Eliminator Clash: Knockout Pressure Under the Lights
Eliminator Clash between San Francisco Unicorns and MI New York sets up a thrilling do-or-die playoff in MLC 2025. The Unicorns enter the contest with seven wins and impressive momentum, while MI NY arrive with seven defeats and a few fortunate breaks. But form can only take you so far — in a knockout, it’s all about performance under pressure.
As MI NY captain Nicholas Pooran said after their final league game: “It’s a different competition going into the playoffs.” And he’s absolutely right — both teams must embrace the reset button now.
Eliminator Clash: Unicorns Dominate, But It’s a Fresh Game
San Francisco Unicorns were consistent through the league phase, winning 7 of their 10 matches and finishing in the top 3. They hold a psychological advantage over MI NY, having beaten them twice this season — once while chasing 198, and again while posting a mammoth 246.
But history rarely counts in knockout games. MI NY, although out of rhythm, will look at this as a golden opportunity. For them, this is a fresh chance to wipe the slate clean and bring out their best when it matters most.
Eliminator Clash Conditions: Rain, Floods & Flat Decks
Texas has witnessed devastating floods in recent weeks, with rainfall impacting the first qualifier as well. The good news is that the weather forecast for July 9 in Dallas is clear — but the threat of a sudden shower still looms.
If the game is washed out, Unicorns will advance due to their higher position on the points table.
Pitch Report – Grand Prairie Stadium:
- 🏏 High-scoring venue
- 🦄 SFU chased 198 and posted 246 here
- ❌ MI NY lost all 4 games at this ground
- 📈 Average first-innings total: 210+
- 🧨 Expect power-hitting, especially in the second innings
Eliminator Clash Squad Shake-up: Unicorns Hit by Injuries
Despite their strong season, SFU enter the Eliminator with injury troubles. Key overseas players are unavailable at a crucial stage:
- Romario Shepherd – ankle injury
- Haris Rauf – hamstring issue
- Finn Allen – ruled out of the playoffs
Matthew Short’s side is expected to feature Cooper Connolly, giving the lineup a new look. Their depth will be tested.
🦄 Probable XI:
Matthew Short (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Hammad Azam, Xavier Bartlett, Karima Gore, Brody Couch, Ben Lister
Eliminator Clash Boost: MI NY Bring Back Their Big Guns
MI NY rested many of their key players in their final group match after securing qualification. Now, it’s time to bring the full-strength XI back:
- Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, and Ehsan Adil all expected to start
- Nicholas Pooran will lead with both the bat and tactical calls
🔵 Probable XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Monank Patel, Nicholas Pooran (c), Tajinder Dhillon, Kieron Pollard, Michael Bracewell, George Linde, Nosthush Kenjige, Trent Boult, Rushil Ugarkar, Ehsan Adil
Eliminator Clash Stakes: One Survives, One Goes Home
- ✅ Winner: Progresses to the Challenger
- ❌ Loser: Eliminated from the tournament
- 🌧 If rain ends play: Unicorns advance on league standing
Despite the absences, the Unicorns will be confident — their aggressive brand of cricket has worked all season. MI NY, however, have the firepower and the experience to pull off a surprise.
It’s form vs firepower. Resilience vs redemption. The Eliminator Clash is perfectly poised.
