MLC 2023: MI New York vs San Francisco Unicorns

Another T20 league has taken off and this time it’s from the United States of America. The Major League Cricket 2023 has begun and had a first match between Texas Super Kings and Los Angles Knight Riders. Texas Super Kings defeated LA Knight Riders comfortably by 69 runs. David Miller and Devon Conway showed some class scoring half centuries which took their team total to 181. Only Andre Russell shines from the LA Knight Riders scoring 55.

The second match of the MLC 2023 will take place between, MI New York and San Francisco Unicorns. The West Indies legend, Kieron Pollard will be captaining the MI New York team. On the other hand, the Aussie, Aaron Finch will be leading the San Francisco Unicorns.

MLC 2023 is an initiative to introduce and promote cricket in the USA. Minor League Cricket started a few years back when Unmukt Chand took part while playing for the Silicon Valley Strikers. MiLC was the backbone of the MLC 2023. With players from around the world, MLC 2023 will succeed in creating an impact on the USA audience.

MI New York have the likes of Kieron Pollard, Dewald Brevis, Tim David, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran and a few locals. However, San Francisco Unicorns have some big players as well, Mathew Wade, Marcus Stoinis, Corey Anderson, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Lungi Ngidi and some locals.

Pitch Report

Since this is the first time Grand Prairie Stadium has hosted such a significant tournament, little is known about the playing surface there. However, we anticipate that the pitch will be well-balanced, giving batsmen and bowlers equal opportunities. In the first game, the pitch behaved quite nicely favouring the batters as Texas went on to score 181 in the first innings. However, it has something for bowlers too, as Texas took ten wickets of LA Knight Riders in just 14 overs to win the game.

Weather Conditions

Due to the fact that this is a day match, the weather is expected to be quite warm, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.

Head to Head

As the tournament is happening for the first time, none of the teams have played against each other. The players from both the teams might have faced each other in some other leagues but it is the first time for them here in MLC 2023. Both teams are looking quite competitive and we are going to have an amazing game.

Telecast

Jio Cinema has bagged the streaming rights of MLC 2023. Also, People can watch the MLC 2023 on the Sports 18 channel, which is the official telecast partner of the tournament.

Predicted Playing XI

MI New York: Monank Patel, Nicholas Pooran, Steven Taylor, Kieron Pollard (C), Tim David, Shayan Jahangir, Jason Behrendorff, David Wiese, Kyle Phillip, Kagiso Rabada, Nosthush Kenjige

Stats of last 5 games:

San Francisco Unicorns: Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (wk), Smit Patel, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Corey Anderson, Finn Allen, Marcus Stoinis, Shadab Khan, Liam Plunkett, Haris Rauf, Lungi Ngidi

Fantasy XI

Shadab Khan (Captain), Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran (Vice-Captain), Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Steven Taylor, Mathew Wade, Haris Rauf, Corey Anderson, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Behrendorff

Other Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Kieron Pollard, Marcus Stoinis, Corey Anderson

Best Players

Shadab Khan: The Pakistani all-rounder, Shadab Khan has impressed the world with his exceptional all-round skills. Earlier, he used to bowl only, but now he has started batting up in the order and he can smash big sixes too. If you are looking for a perfect Captain of your Fantasy XI, then Shadam Khan is all you need. San Francisco Unicorns will depend a lot on Shadab Khan, as he is one of the best all-rounders in the world.

Nicholas Pooran: The Caribbean Giant is on another level. Looking at his current form, Nicholas Pooran has smashed two tons in the World Cup qualifiers. Also, in the IPL, while playing for Lucknow Super Giants, Pooran played some impeccable knocks with the bat. The knock against Royal Challengers Bangalore of 69 off just 19 deliveries was just amazing. MI New York will hope that he keep smashing runs and continue to play like he is playing. Pooran is the perfect choice for a Vice-Captain in your Fantasy XI. 

Match Prediction

Looking at the players of both teams, one can say that MI New York seems to be more stronger. With players of best quality in both batting and bowling departments, MI New York are the fovaourites of this game against San Francisco Unicorns.