Published on: Jul 16, 2026 5:10 pm IST | Updated on: Jul 16, 2026 5:10 pm IST
Freedom did the unthinkable last night at the Oakland Coliseum. They recorded the highest-ever run chase in T20 cricket history by achieving MI New York’s score of 266 runs courtesy of tons from skipper Steven Smith and wicket-keeper Andries Gous. The duo stood together for 241 runs to script a historic win for Freedom and, on the course, kept their team alive in the competition. They next face the San Francisco Unicorns in the Challenger, who head into this contest on the back of a loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, who are through to the first MLC final after defeating the Unicorns in the first qualifier by 7 runs. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the Challenger of the Major League Cricket (MLC 2026), SFU vs WF, at the Oakland Coliseum, Oakland.
The San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom squared off twice in this edition, and both teams have won a game each. Both teams have played some really good cricket, but given the form Washington is carrying into this fixture after securing the biggest victory in the history of the format, expect the former champions, i.e., Washington Freedom, to have the win probability meter favoring them. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the Challenger of the Major League Cricket (MLC 2026), SFU vs WF, at the Oakland Coliseum, Oakland.
WF: 58% win chance SFU: 42% win chance
The USA keeeper scored a magnificent 40-ball ton in the last game against MI New York to kick them out of the tournament. He has been batting with fire this season for Freedom and will be a crucial bet in this game.
Owen's form has dropped in recent times. The big Aussie who kick-started this season with a ton and some really crucial knocks has suddenly witnessed dip in form. However, on a crucial juncture like this, Owen will look to deliver. Owen has so far scored 376 runs in 11 knocks.
The Proteas left-hander is the leading run-getter so far this season with 447 runs from 11 innings and striking at a tremendous rate of 176. He has scored 4 fifties and a ton in the tournament.
The San Francisco skipper has been brilliant with both bat and ball. He has amassed 392 runs so far in 11 innings with a fifty which he scored in the last game against LA Knight Riders. Also with the ball, he has scalped 17 wickets which is the third best by any bowler this season.
Check out our prediction for the SFU vs WF Major League Cricket 2026 Challenger.
The Unicorns will be determined to bounce back after their narrow defeat in the first qualifier against the Los Angeles Knight Riders at the Oakland Coliseum. Losing by just seven runs highlighted both their fighting spirit and areas needing improvement. Matthew Short and Sanjay Krishnamurthy’s stable batting, Finn Allen’s explosive stroke play, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ consistency will be crucial in setting up a strong platform.
On the bowling front, Haris Rauf’s pace and skipper Matthew Short’s all-round skills are expected to play a decisive role. The Unicorns must focus on building partnerships, maintaining discipline in the middle overs, and executing their death bowling more effectively. With the pressure of elimination looming, the team will look to channel their energy into a complete performance.
Their ability to learn from the close loss and adapt quickly could be the key to overcoming setbacks and keeping their campaign alive. At this stage, every player’s contribution matters, and the Unicorns will aim to deliver a united effort to secure victory and move closer to the final.
Washington Freedom will enter the Challenger brimming with confidence after scripting history at the Oakland Coliseum. Chasing down MI New York’s mammoth 266-run total, they recorded the highest-ever run chase in T20 cricket. The foundation of this remarkable win was laid by skipper Steven Smith and wicketkeeper Andries Gous, who combined for a stunning 241-run partnership.
Their dominance not only kept Freedom alive in the tournament but also sent a strong message to rivals. Facing the San Francisco Unicorns next, Freedom will look to carry forward this momentum. The Unicorns, coming off a narrow defeat to the Los Angeles Knight Riders, will be under pressure to regroup quickly. With Smith’s leadership and Gous’ explosive batting form, Freedom appear well-positioned to challenge any opposition.
The team’s morale is at an all-time high, and if their key players continue to deliver, they could edge closer to the final. This clash promises intensity, with Freedom aiming to build on their historic chase and Unicorns desperate to bounce back. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 7 WF won: 4 SFU won: 3 No Result: 0 RECENT form SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS: W L W W W RECENT form WASHINGTON FREEDOM: W W L W L
The Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns have collided 7 times in the MLC’s history. Washington has a slight upper hand with 4 wins, whereas San Francisco have won 3 contests. In the two meetings between these sides this season, both have won a game each.
How will the two teams, i.e., the San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom, fare in the 19th match of MLC 2026? Let’s take a look.
Steven Smith (C), Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, Andries Gous (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Nikhil Chaudhary, Marco Jansen/Ben Dwarshuis, Obus Pienaar, Ian Holland, Amila Aponso/Asif Mehmood, Saurabh Netravalkar
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (WK), Finn Allen, Matthew Short (C), Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Aaron Hardie, Hassan Khan, Hammad Azam, Brody Couch, Xavier Bartlett, Ghulam Mudassar, Haris Rauf
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the Challenger of the Major League Cricket 2026 between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns at the Oakland Coliseum, Oakland.
The toss-winning captain is likely to choose to bowl first. The pitch favors stroke play with short boundaries, and setting a strong total around 185–200 runs is also not safe here to defend. Evening dew will aid chasing, making the toss a crucial factor in this high-stakes contest.
The online live streaming of the MLC 2026 Challenger match between the Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns will take place live on the JioHotstar app. TV viewers can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network channels.
The Washington Freedom enter the Challenger with momentum after their record-breaking chase, while San Francisco Unicorns are regrouping from a narrow defeat. Freedom’s batting, led by Steven Smith and Andries Gous, looks formidable. Unicorns rely on Matthew Short and Finn Allen. Given the current form, Freedom appears to be the favorite to edge past Unicorns and advance. Therefore, per our prediction, San Francisco Unicorns are expected to win MLC 2026 Challenger: SFU vs WF.
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