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Shimron Hetmyer’s Last-Ball Six Hands Seattle Orcas Their First Win in MLC 2025 Thriller
Orcas Snap Losing Streak in High-Octane Run Chase Against MI New York
In a sensational final-ball finish, Shimron Hetmyer produced one of the most memorable knocks of Major League Cricket 2025, powering the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling three-wicket win over MI New York with a six off the last ball. Chasing a mammoth 238-run target, Hetmyer’s unbeaten 97 lifted the Orcas from a winless five-match rut to their maiden points of the season, successfully eclipsing epic centuries from Nicholas Pooran (108*) and Tajinder Dhillon (95).
Hetmyer Seals It With a Six: A Final-Over Masterclass
Pollard’s Tactics Foiled in the Final Over
The match reached a dramatic crescendo with Seattle needing nine off the last over bowled by veteran Kieron Pollard. The West Indian all-rounder stuck to his plan, bowling into the pitch and offering no width. He managed to drag the equation to six required off the final delivery. But Hetmyer, limping due to cramps, shuffled across his stumps and launched the final ball over fine leg for a towering six, triggering wild celebrations in the Orcas camp.
It was a moment of redemption for the franchise that had endured a turbulent campaign — one that included the sacking of head coach Matthew Mott and the captaincy transition from Heinrich Klaasen to Sikandar Raza.
🔗 Read: Full MLC 2025 Points Table and Team Standings
Orcas Pull Off Highest Successful Chase in MLC History
Early Blitz Sets the Tone
Chasing 238, the Orcas lost opener Josh Brown early to Trent Boult, but Kyle Mayers provided instant fireworks with a 20-run over off Michael Bracewell. Mayers, along with Shayan Jahangir, kept the pressure on, but Boult struck again to remove Jahangir, putting MI NY in the driver’s seat briefly.
Sikandar Raza, promoted up the order, played a fearless cameo of 30 off just 9 balls, smashing Ehsan Adil and Delano Potgieter for boundaries and sixes to keep the required rate manageable. His dismissal, followed by Mayers’ wicket, brought Hetmyer to the crease with the score at 86/3 in the PowerPlay.
Hetmyer Anchors the Chase With Controlled Aggression
Partnering with Klaasen (26 off 13), Hetmyer led a counterattack, particularly targeting Bracewell in the 12th over to push the equation to 78 from 48. Though Klaasen fell to Rushil Ugarkar in the 11th, Hetmyer’s big hits ensured the Orcas stayed in the hunt.
Despite Hetmyer’s hampered mobility, he kept up the scoring rate. The 14th and 15th overs yielded only six runs, but Hetmyer and Gerald Coetzee reignited the chase with 18 runs off Potgieter. Boult and Ugarkar responded well, conceding just 10 off the next two overs and dismissing Coetzee. Still, Hetmyer smashed three sixes off Adil in the 19th to bring the game within touching distance — 9 needed off the final over.
Pooran and Dhillon Light Up First Innings With Record Stand
Earlier, MI New York posted a formidable total of 237/4, largely due to a jaw-dropping 158-run third-wicket stand between Nicholas Pooran and Tajinder Dhillon. Pooran smashed an unbeaten 108 off 60 balls while Dhillon fell just short of a century, scoring 95 off only 35 deliveries.
The duo struck a combined 15 fours and 16 sixes as Seattle’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow. Cameron Gannon leaked 61 runs in his four overs, while captain Sikandar Raza conceded 57.
However, the Orcas did manage to claw back in the death overs. From 218/3 in 17 overs, MI New York were restricted to just 19 runs off the final 18 deliveries. Mayers, Jessy Singh, and Gannon executed tight lines to stall what looked like a 250-plus finish.
Match Summary
MI New York: 237/4 in 20 overs
(Nicholas Pooran 108, Tajinder Dhillon 95; Kyle Mayers 2-34)*
Seattle Orcas: 238/7 in 20 overs
(Shimron Hetmyer 97, Kyle Mayers 37, Sikandar Raza 30; Trent Boult 3-31)*
Result: Seattle Orcas won by 3 wickets
🔗 For full match stats and player profiles, visit the Major League Cricket Official Website.
The Seattle Orcas finally broke free from their losing streak in spectacular fashion. Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 97, marked by bravery and brilliance, not only scripted the highest successful chase in MLC history but also injected hope into a flailing campaign. With new leadership and momentum, the Orcas will now look to turn their season around.
