MLC: Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s first T20 century helps San Francisco Unicorns rise to the top with dominant win over MI New York

Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Image credit: Major League Cricket) 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-batsman remained unbeaten on 102 off just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. He hit his maiden T20 hundred at a rate of 196.15 to guide the Unicorns home in just 15.4 overs. Pretorius was named man of the match.The massive win helped the San Francisco Unicorns move to the top of the points table. They are now five wins and three losses in eight games with 10 points and a +.590 net rate.Meanwhile, MI New York dropped to third place. In eight games, they have four wins and four losses, with eight points and a -0.208 net pace.

Pretorius allows easy pursuit

San Francisco got off to a flying start, 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 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 stand of 94 runs for the second wicket.Pretorius completed the chase in style with his first T20 century to ensure the Unicorns reached 146/1 with 26 balls to spare.

Pretorius was elated after his maiden T20 hundred

After receiving the Man of the Match award, Pretorius admitted that he had his sights set on reaching three figures, having failed twice before.“Well, first of all, I was thinking about getting the team over the line and winning the match, but I’d be lying if I said the 100 wasn’t fun because I fell a few times. But yeah, it was good fun and I’m really glad we won.”“We (Pretorius and captain Matthew Short) were just joking about it, not really. We didn’t really talk about it. But in the back of my mind I really wanted the 100. But the most important thing was to get the team over the line and I’m glad we did it. And yes, I’m a believer if it’s meant to be, luckily it’s meant to be.”Pretorius also praised the atmosphere at the Unicorns camp.“Yeah, really good. It’s one of the best environments I’ve played cricket in. I haven’t played in many teams but yeah, it’s one of the best environments, if not the best, I’ve been a part of. And yeah, I’m really grateful to be here. It’s so much fun.”“I was actually using Finn’s (Finn Allen) bat. I think if I had used my own bat, I wouldn’t have been able to hit those big sixes. Now I’m going to ask him nicely if I can have that bat and keep it in my bag (smiles).”

Matt Short, Hardie shines with 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 battled for 19 off 24 balls and Kieron Pollard managed 16 off 13.Captain Matthew Short led with the ball from the front, taking 3/24 in four overs. Aaron Hardie claimed 2/17 while Haris Rauf also claimed two wickets. Brody Couch and Anirudh Immanuel chipped in with one wicket each.