Hammad Azam's 64 Fires San Francisco Unicorns to Victory
San Francisco Unicorns have won by 5 runs. San Francisco Unicorns batted first and posted 152/8 in 20 overs. Perth Scorchers, chasing 153, fell short at 147/9 in 20 overs.
Hammad Azam was the standout in the first innings, scoring 64* off 46 balls (SR 139). 4 sixes and 4 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 47 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
D'Arcy Short fought hard with 43 off 38 balls, but it was not enough to haul Perth Scorchers over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Ghulam Mudassar delivered figures of 4/32 in 4 overs (Econ 8.0). A match-defining spell that tore through the batting order.
PS lead the series 5-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 19 of the first innings was the inflection point — 22 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
64* off 46 balls (SR 139), 4 fours, 4 sixes
4/32 in 4 overs (Econ: 8.00)
43 off 38 balls (SR 113), 4 fours, 0 sixes
Verdict
San Francisco Unicorns showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Perth Scorchers will rue missed opportunities — a 5 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. PS lead the series 5-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.