Seattle Orcas battle until the end in thrilling two-wicket loss against San Francisco Unicorns
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Seattle Orcas came up just short in one of the closest contests of the 2026 Major League Cricket season on Friday night, falling to the San Francisco Unicorns by two wickets at the Oakland Coliseum.
Despite the result, Seattle Orcas produced another spirited all-around performance, with contributions across both the batting and bowling departments that kept the outcome in the balance until the final over.
The team raced to 138 runs in the first half of its innings with an explosive display at the crease. Shayan Jahangir led the charge, continuing his outstanding form with another half-century, while Tim Seifert and Matthew Breetzke provided able support. A rare middle-order downturn meant Seattle could not fully capitalize on its blistering start, but Seattle Orcas still posted a competitive 191 in 19.2 overs. The batting unit's positive intent ensured Seattle carried momentum into the second innings.
Defending the target, the Seattle Orcas bowlers responded with intensity from the outset. Skipper Marcus Stoinis claimed two early wickets, while the reliable Ottniel Baartman added a key, momentum stopping wicket to reduce the Unicorns to 27 for 3. Despite a massive fourth-wicket partnership for San Francisco, Cameron Gannon and Dasun Shanaka pulled their team back into the contest with timely wickets. Sharp fielding from Harmeet Singh, backed by a strong all-round effort in the field, combined with disciplined bowling to push Seattle close to victory before it eventually fell just short. San Francisco was made to earn every run in a chase that was not settled until the closing stages.
Although the Unicorns eventually reached the target with just two wickets in hand, the performance once again highlighted the resilience and depth within the Seattle squad. The batting lineup continued to produce competitive totals, while the bowling attack showed its ability to create opportunities against quality batters time and again.
The Seattle Orcas will take plenty of confidence from another competitive outing as they continue their Oakland leg. With players contributing throughout the lineup and the team continuing to play an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket, Seattle remains well-positioned to build on its strong performances as the Major League Cricket season progresses. Seattle Orcas now await their next challenge, a Sunday afternoon contest against the Los Angeles Knight Riders at Oakland Coliseum.
