Rovman Powell produced a breathtaking late onslaught, including four consecutive sixes off Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, to power the Los Angeles Knight Riders into their first-ever Major League cricket (MLC) final with a thrilling seven-run victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in the first qualifier.Powell turned the match on its head with a sensational unbeaten half-century from just 15 deliveries, launching a barrage of sixes in the closing overs.

His most memorable assault came in the 19th over, when he hammered Haris Rauf for four successive maximums, lifting the Knight Riders to a formidable total of 187.Earlier, after being asked to bat first by San Francisco captain Matthew Short, Los Angeles received solid contributions from Colin Munro, who scored 51 off 44 balls, and Andre Russell, who added a half-century from 41 deliveries.Powell’s explosive finish provided the momentum the Knight Riders needed heading into the innings break.

In reply, San Francisco Unicorns fought back through an outstanding unbeaten 94 off 62 balls from skipper Matthew Short, who kept his side in contention throughout the chase.Despite Short’s valiant effort, the Unicorns finished on 180/4 in their allotted 20 overs, falling seven runs short of the target. The victory secured the Los Angeles Knight Riders’ place in the MLC final for the first time in the franchise’s history, while the San Francisco Unicorns will get another opportunity to qualify for the championship match through the tournament’s playoff system.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)