San Francisco Unicorns beat Seattle Orcas by eight wickets in Dallas, Texas, ending the team’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs of Cognizant Major League Cricket Season 2.

The Seattle Orcas were put into bat first after San Francisco Unicorns skipper Corey Anderson called it right at the toss. A torrid start after Carmie le Roux dismissed both Seattle Orcas openers, Ryan Rickelton and Aaron Jones, in the very first over, both for golden ducks.

Quinton de Kock got the innings back on track and showcased exactly why he is one of the most heralded talents in international cricket. The South African southpaw smashed 8 fours and 3 sixes in a sizzling knock of 62 off only 33 deliveries. Shehan Jayasuriya lent him some much-needed support from the other end, as the pair put on a partnership of 97 runs.

The Unicorns would turn the tide when Quinny was dismissed by Couch, and the team lost momentum in the batting innings. Jayasuriya quickly followed de Kock back to the pavilion and the remaining Orcas batters, except Shubham Ranjane, could not make much of an impact.

Ranjane’s knock of 26 and Imad’s cameo of 17* off 11 would help the team to a total of 152/7, giving the Seatt;e Orcas bowlers a fighting chance.

In reply, Finn Allen started in a destructive mode, playing some sensational shots in the Powerplay. The Kiwi opener gave no respite to the bowlers, going all guns blazing and making full use of the field restrictions.

He took the game away from Seattle with his knock of 77 off only 30 deliveries. Matt Short (19) also chipped in with scores as the Unicorns sealed a six-wicket win. Harmeet Singh chipped in with two wickets, while Imad and Gannon also picked up a wicket each.

With the loss, the Seattle Orcas fall out of contention to qualify for the playoffs and will play the final match of Season 2 against the Texas Super Kings on July 23.