SFU vs WF Match Prediction : MLC 2025, 1st Match – Who Will Win Today’s Match Between SFU vs WF?

The 3rd season of the hugely successful Major League Cricket is set to get underway in its 3rd iteration later this week. The season will start with a rematch of last year’s finals, as the San Francisco Unicorns take on the Washington Freedom at the Oakland Coliseum in California on Friday.

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San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have faced each other in 4 matches to date. Washington won thrice while San Francisco won once.

San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom Live-streaming and Broadcast

This match can be watched live on the JioHotstar App.

Live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and in-game betting odds are available on ocbscores.com.

SFU vs WF Team Previews

San Francisco Unicorns

The San Francisco Unicorns were among the most consistent teams last year as they finished 2nd on the points table at the end of the group stages and went on to reach the finals. However, they were defeated by Washington and finished as the runners-up.

The Unicorns’ phenomenal run last season was largely due to its strong batting unit. Finn Allen and Matthew Short, who were both brilliant with the bat in the top order, have been retained. Tim Seifert, who has been in excellent form of late, is likely to make his MLC debut in this match. He will join former New Zealand teammate Corey Anderson, who is leading the team for the 3rd consecutive season.

Sanjay Krishnamurthy was in sublime form last year and retains his place in the middle order along with Jake Fraser-McGurk. The two all-rounders, Romario Shepherd and Hassan Khan add depth to the batting. Khan is also a dependable spinner as he picked up 10 wickets last year. He will be joined by Callum Stow. Haris Rauf will lead the pace department and is likely to be joined by Liam Plunkett and Brody Couch.

San Francisco Unicorns Expected Playing 11

Matthew Short, Finn Allen, Sanjay Krishnamurthy, Tim Seifert (WK), Corey Anderson (C), Hassan Khan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Haris Rauf, Liam Plunkett, Brody Couch, Callum Stow

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Washington Freedom

The Washington Freedom dropped just one match last season and had the best NRR among all teams. They topped the points table and went on to lift their maiden title.

However, Washington Freedom is set to miss two of their key batsmen from the last edition, Travis Head and Steve Smith. In their absence, the team is likely to rely on Rachin Ravindra who has been a consistent opener for the New Zealand team, to give them a good start. He is likely to be joined either by Andries Gous or Mukhtar Ahmed at the top of the order.

Another batsman to watch out for is Mitchell Owen, who had a dream run in the BBL earlier this year. Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips, who both missed the better part of the IPL due to injuries, are likely to be fit for the series. Freedom has bolstered their seam attack by bringing in Lockie Ferguson and Jason Behrendorff, who join domestic sensation Saurabh Netravalkar.

Yasir Mohammad could find himself leading the spin department.

Washington Freedom Expected Playing 11

Andries Gous (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell (C), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Obus Pienaar, Yasir Mohammad, Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Owen, Mukhtar Ahmed

SFU vs WF Toss Prediction

This is the first match that will be played at the Oakland Coliseum and therefore bowling first might be a better option.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

We are expecting a balanced pitch for this match. Since it is a multipurpose venue, a drop-in pitch could be used that helps the seamers early in the match, while the batsmen will find it easier to play the shots once they settle down and get their eye in. The weather is likely to remain clear with temperatures under 20 degrees.

SFU vs WF: Who Will Win?

The two teams played in the finals of the last season where Washington ended on top. San Francisco will be eager to exact a revenge here and we feel they are the stronger side this time around. Washington is missing two of its best batsmen, while San Francisco’s batting line-up looks similar to the one they fielded last time around.

Bet on San Francisco Unicorns to win this match.

SFU vs WF win percentage stands at 52% in favor of WF.

Todays Match Prediction: San Francisco Unicorns to Win.