Matthew Wade achieved the fastest fifty in the history of Major League Cricket (MLC) during the match between San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) and Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). The left-handed opener played an outstanding innings, scoring 78 runs off just 41 balls, providing SFU with a blazing start at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
SFU won the toss and elected to bat first. Wade, along with Finn Allen (20 off 19), formed a formidable opening partnership of 88 runs in 7.4 overs. Wade was the dominant partner, smashing seven fours and an impressive five sixes. He showcased his signature scoops and reverse scoops, along with powerful boundary shots.
He struck two sixes off Corne Dry in the fifth over, followed by two sixes and three fours off Ali Khan in the next over, reaching his fifty in just 21 balls, the fastest in the history of MLC. Unfortunately, Wade’s brilliant knock came to an end in the 14th over when he hit a full and wide delivery from Ali Khan straight to the deep cover fielder.
After Wade’s dismissal, Marcus Stoinis (37 off 18) and Corey Anderson (39 off 20) played impressive cameos to maintain a good run rate for SFU. Both batsmen hit three fours and three sixes each, helping San Francisco Unicorns finish with a total of 212/7. Adam Zampa was the standout bowler for Los Angeles Knight Riders, taking 3/41.
Matthew Wade expressed his immense satisfaction in batting across all positions
He emphasized that the coaches and management have given him the opportunity to bat at different positions, and he takes pride in his ability to adapt. Wade believes that one should never feel completely comfortable with the batting lineup they have and emphasized the importance of executing well to increase their chances of success.
Matthew Wade, who won the Player of the Match, said after the match quoted by Cricbuzz: “I mishit a few. The breeze helped to carry it over the fence. Was good with the new ball. The ground isn’t big on one side. The slower balls at the back-end was a little tough to get away. We have tried to adapt to conditions. We are starting to get some momentum.”
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