San Francisco Unicorns vs MI New York Today Match Prediction – MLC T20 2026 Match 22
Can San Francisco Unicorns bounce back, or will table-toppers MI New York continue their winning streak?
The 22nd match of Major League Cricket 2026 promises an exciting contest as both teams battle for valuable points at the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, Pomona.
Match Details
| Match | San Francisco Unicorns vs MI New York |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 |
| Match | 22nd Match |
| Venue | Knight Riders Cricket Ground, Pomona |
| Format | T20 |
Match Preview
San Francisco Unicorns take on league leaders MI New York in an important clash of the Major League Cricket 2026 season.
MI New York currently sit at the top of the points table after winning four of their six matches, while San Francisco Unicorns occupy fourth place with three wins and three defeats.
Both teams have secured three victories in their last five matches, setting up what could be one of the closest contests of the tournament.
Quote:
Momentum favors MI New York, but history slightly favors the San Francisco Unicorns.
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| San Francisco Unicorns | 3 Wins, 2 Losses |
| MI New York | 4 Wins, 1 Loss |
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches | SF Unicorns | MI New York | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Latest Meeting
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 10 July 2025 | MI New York won by 2 wickets |
San Francisco Unicorns Team Analysis
San Francisco Unicorns enter this game after a five-wicket defeat against Washington Freedom and will be looking for a strong comeback.
Matthew Short’s side has played aggressive but unpredictable cricket throughout the tournament. Their impressive 3-1 head-to-head record against MI New York will give them additional confidence.
Key Batters
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | 313 runs, 4 half-centuries |
| Matthew Short | 172 runs, Strike Rate 140.98 |
| Aaron Hardie | Average 37.00 |
Key Bowlers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Brody Couch | 9 wickets |
| Matthew Short | 7 wickets, Economy 7.00 |
| Peter Siddle | 6 wickets in 3 matches |
San Francisco Unicorns Probable Playing XI
| Probable XI |
|---|
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius |
| Finn Allen |
| Matthew Short |
| Aaron Hardie |
| Sanjay Krishnamurthi |
| Hammad Azam |
| Aniruddha Emmanuel |
| Hassan Khan |
| Xavier Bartlett |
| Brody Couch |
| Haris Rauf |
San Francisco Unicorns Last Match Performance
Batting
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Matthew Short | 39 (34) |
| Hassan Khan | 27 (28) |
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | 16 (12) |
Bowling
| Player | Figures |
|---|---|
| Brody Couch | 2/24 |
| Haris Rauf | 2/27 |
| Xavier Bartlett | 1/18 |
MI New York Team Analysis
After a slow start to the tournament, MI New York have bounced back brilliantly by winning four of their six matches and climbing to the top of the standings.
The team enters this contest on the back of three consecutive victories, including a six-wicket win over Los Angeles Knight Riders.
Their experienced middle order has consistently handled pressure during successful run chases.
Key Batters
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Pooran | 187 runs |
| Kieron Pollard | 182 runs, Average 60.67, One unbeaten century |
| Quinton de Kock | 141 runs |
Key Bowlers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Corbin Bosch | 12 wickets in 6 matches |
| Rushil Ugarkar | 9 wickets |
| Trent Boult | 6 wickets |
| Romario Shepherd | 6 wickets |
MI New York Probable Playing XI
| Probable XI |
|---|
| Quinton de Kock |
| Monank Patel |
| Nicholas Pooran |
| Tajinder Singh |
| Kieron Pollard |
| Romario Shepherd |
| Corbin Bosch |
| Corey Anderson |
| Trent Boult |
| Nosthush Kenjige |
| Rushil Ugarkar |
MI New York Last Match Performance
Batting
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Kieron Pollard | 63 (35) |
| Corey Anderson | 37 (24) |
| Monank Patel | 32 (29) |
Bowling
| Player | Figures |
|---|---|
| Corbin Bosch | 3/19 |
| Rushil Ugarkar | 3 wickets |
| Trent Boult | Economy Rate 7.00 |
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Weather | Clear |
| Temperature | 24°C–26°C |
| Humidity | 60%–70% |
| Rain | No rain expected |
| Wind | Light south-west breeze |
Weather Insight:
Full 20 overs are expected without any weather interruption.
Pitch Report
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 5 |
| Average First Innings Score | 141 |
| Score Range | 108–173 |
| 170+ Scores | Only once |
| Best Option After Toss | Bowl First |
The Pomona surface has offered assistance to both batters and bowlers this season. As the match progresses, the wicket tends to slow down.
Fast bowlers have enjoyed movement and bounce with the new ball, while set batters have scored freely during the middle overs.
A total above 160 could prove highly competitive.
Toss Prediction
| Prediction |
|---|
| Team winning the toss is expected to bowl first. |
Reason
- Four of the five matches at this venue saw the toss-winning captain choose to field first.
- The pitch becomes slower later in the innings.
- Both pacers and spinners receive assistance from the surface.
Winning Prediction
| Prediction |
|---|
| MI New York are slight favourites to win this match. |
Why MI New York?
- Top of the points table.
- Three consecutive victories.
- Strong bowling attack led by Corbin Bosch.
- Experienced middle order featuring Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard.
However, San Francisco Unicorns cannot be underestimated, especially with their 3-1 head-to-head advantage and the excellent form of Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
Expert Quote:
Expect a closely fought contest, but MI New York appear to have the more balanced squad heading into this match.
FAQs
Who is playing today in MLC 2026?
San Francisco Unicorns face MI New York in Match 22 of Major League Cricket 2026.
Where is today’s match being played?
The match will be played at the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona.
What is the average first innings score at Pomona?
The average first innings score this season is 141 runs.
What is the best toss decision?
Bowling first has been the preferred choice, with four out of five toss-winning captains choosing to field.
Who is predicted to win today’s match?
Based on recent form and overall team balance, MI New York hold a slight advantage.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer:
This match prediction is based solely on the information provided, including recent performances, head-to-head record, team balance, pitch conditions, and weather forecast. Cricket remains an unpredictable sport, and the final result may differ from any prediction.
