GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (June 19, 2026) — Colin Munro produced a captain’s innings while Jason Holder delivered the finishing blow as the Los Angeles Knight Riders opened their 2026 Major League Cricket campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in a rain-shortened contest at Grand Prairie Stadium.

Chasing 151 in a match reduced to 14 overs per side, LAKR reached their target with eight balls remaining, thanks largely to an unbeaten 64 from Munro and a late burst of power hitting from Holder.
Colin Munro of the Los Angeles Knight Riders led the batting with an unbeaten 64 against the San Francisco Unicorns. Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for MLC

Earlier, the Unicorns posted a competitive 150 for 7 after being sent in to bat. The innings was built around an explosive opening partnership between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Finn Allen, who took full advantage of the powerplay.

Pretorius was the standout performer, smashing 58 from just 28 deliveries, including four boundaries and five towering sixes. Allen provided strong support with a brisk 24 off 12 balls before Sunil Narine struck to break the stand.

The Unicorns continued to score at an aggressive rate, with captain Matthew Short contributing 30 from 20 deliveries. However, the middle order struggled to maintain momentum as Los Angeles chipped away with timely wickets. Short’s run out proved a significant setback, while Andre Russell removed the dangerous Pretorius to halt San Francisco’s charge.

Narine finished with figures of 2 for 33, while Carmi le Roux bowled economically throughout his spell. Shadley van Schalkwyk also impressed in the closing stages, dismissing Haris Rauf and conceding only seven runs in the final over as the Unicorns were restricted to 150.

Los Angeles began their chase positively through Andre Fletcher, who struck a quick-fire 34 from 17 balls. Rovman Powell added 17 from 11 before both batters departed within the first six overs.


Despite those setbacks, Munro ensured there would be no panic. The experienced left-hander paced the innings expertly, combining aggression with composure as he anchored the chase from start to finish. His unbeaten 64 came from 40 deliveries and provided the foundation for victory.

Holder then swung the momentum decisively in LAKR’s favour with a blistering 28 from just 12 balls, launching two sixes during a crucial late assault. Although Peter Siddle dismissed Holder in the penultimate over, the damage had already been done.

Siddle was the most successful Unicorns bowler with 2 for 27, while Short claimed one wicket. Munro remained unbeaten alongside Russell as the Knight Riders completed the chase at 154 for 3 in 13.4 overs.

The victory gives Los Angeles maximum points to begin the season and highlights the depth within their batting lineup. For San Francisco, Pretorius’ sparkling half-century was a major positive, but the Unicorns will rue missed opportunities with the ball after posting what appeared to be a defendable total.

Brief Scores: San Francisco Unicorns 150/7 in 14 overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 58, Matthew Short 30; Sunil Narine 2/33) lost to Los Angeles Knight Riders 154/3 in 13.4 overs (Colin Munro 64*, Andre Fletcher 34, Jason Holder 28; Peter Siddle 2/27) by seven wickets.