Unicorns to face Warriors in GSL final after thumping win over Vipers

PROVIDENCE – San Francisco Unicorns are through to the 2026 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 final after beating Desert Vipers by eight wickets in a high-stakes Qualifier on Friday evening at the National Stadium, Providence in Guyana.

Unicorns will now meet defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors in the championship game on Saturday from 7 pm in front of a capacity crowd.

Chasing a tricky 123 for victory, Unicorns reached the target with 23 balls to spare. The successful chase was brilliantly led by opener Tim Robinson with an impressive, unbeaten 68 off 54 balls.

Robinson and Oliver Peake shared a record-breaking, 97-run third-wicket stand after they lost Connor Esterhuizen for 17 and skipper Hassan Khan without scoring.

The in-form Robinson hit six fours and a six, while Peake provided steady support with 33* off 34, hitting five fours.

Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who made the initial breakthrough, finished with 2-22 from his four overs.

Earlier, Unicorns justified their decision to bowl first, restricting Vipers to 30-2 in the Powerplay and 61-4 by the 13th over.

Vriitya Aravind provided some late-order impetus, scoring 29 not out, but it was left-arm spinner Fabian Allen who stole the spotlight with the ball, taking 3-20 in an impactful four-over spell.

He first accounted for opener Andries Gous (8), then added the scalps of Rilee Rossouw (11) and skipper Shadab Khan (14), strikes that dented the Vipers.

Unicorns’ victory was sweet redemption for the nine-wicket defeat they suffered against the same opposition in the preliminary phase, and it sets up a grand finale with the home franchise and defending champions Warriors on a night where Providence will be rocking.

CMC