GSL,5th Match, 26 July 2026- San Francisco Unicorns Hold Nerve to Defeat Perth Scorchers XI by 5 Runs

Hammad Azam Rescues San Francisco Unicorns

After electing to bat first, San Francisco Unicorns made a bright start through Tim Robinson (24) and Connor Esterhuizen (21), but a dramatic collapse saw them tumble from 42/1 to 69/6.

Perth Scorchers XI fought back brilliantly with Brody Couch, who claimed 3 wickets, while Sufyan Moqim also picked up 3 wickets, putting the Unicorns under immense pressure.

With the innings in danger, Hammad Azam produced a superb rescue act. The experienced all-rounder remained unbeaten on 64 off 46 balls, striking 4 fours and 5 sixes. He received useful support from Anirudh Immanuel, who added 17 runs, and Peter Siddle, who remained unbeaten on 6, helping the Unicorns recover to 152/8 in 20 overs.

Scorchers Struggle in Chase

Chasing 153, Perth Scorchers XI suffered an early setback as Andre Fletcher was dismissed in the opening over.

D'Arcy Short anchored the innings with a patient 43 off 38 balls, while Joel Curtis chipped in with 16. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, preventing the Scorchers from building momentum.

Captain Ashton Turner scored 13, while Usman Khan managed 14, but the required run rate kept climbing.

Late in the innings, Akeal Hosein played an aggressive knock of 19 from 12 balls, and Brody Couch blasted an unbeaten 23 off just 12 deliveries, taking the contest into the final over.

Despite their late surge, Perth Scorchers XI finished on 147/9, falling agonizingly 5 runs short of victory.

Mudassar Leads the Bowling Attack

San Francisco Unicorns produced a disciplined bowling performance to defend the total.

Ghulam Mudassar starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 32 runs, removing key batters throughout the innings.

He was well supported by:

Peter Siddle: 2/31
Fabian Allen: 1/18
Anirudh Immanuel: 1/28
Callum Stow: 1/19

Their combined effort ensured the Scorchers never gained complete control of the chase.

Match Summary
San Francisco Unicorns – 152/8 (20 Overs)
Hammad Azam – 64* (46)
Tim Robinson – 24 (18)
Connor Esterhuizen – 21 (12)
Anirudh Immanuel – 17 (13)
Perth Scorchers XI – 147/9 (20 Overs)
D'Arcy Short – 43 (38)
Brody Couch – 23* (12)
Akeal Hosein – 19 (12)
Joel Curtis – 16 (13)
Best Bowlers (San Francisco Unicorns)
Ghulam Mudassar – 4/32
Peter Siddle – 2/31
Fabian Allen – 1/18
Anirudh Immanuel – 1/28
Callum Stow – 1/19
Best Bowlers (Perth Scorchers XI)
Brody Couch – 3/49
Sufyan Moqim – 3/21
Player of the Match

Hammad Azam was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, an innings that rescued San Francisco Unicorns from a batting collapse and laid the foundation for a narrow victory.

Conclusion

San Francisco Unicorns displayed resilience with both bat and ball to edge Perth Scorchers XI by 5 runs in a gripping Global Super League contest. Hammad Azam's match-saving half-century and Ghulam Mudassar's outstanding four-wicket haul proved to be the difference in a game that went down to the final over. The victory gives the Unicorns valuable momentum as the GSL 2026 campaign gathers pace.