Hetmyer's Last-Gasp Six Propels Seattle Orcas to Record-Breaking MLC Chase Against MI New York

Image credit: MLC

Shimron Hetmyer delivered a stunning performance, smashing a last-ball six to secure a thrilling three-wicket victory for the Seattle Orcas over MI New York in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. This dramatic win marked the Orcas' first of the season and etched their names in MLC history with a record-breaking run chase.

The Orcas successfully chased down a mammoth target of 238, the highest ever in MLC history, thanks to Hetmyer's incredible composure under pressure. He launched Kieron Pollard's final delivery over the boundary, snatching victory from what seemed like certain defeat.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a formidable total of 237/4, powered by a spectacular unbeaten century from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran's innings of 108 off just 60 balls included 7 fours and 8 sixes. He was well-supported by Tajinder Dhillon, who blazed his way to 95 off a mere 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas bowlers, particularly Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, managed to regain some control, each claiming two wickets to slow down the scoring.

Seattle's response began shakily, with Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir falling early in the powerplay. However, Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a swift counter-attack, bringing the chase back on track. Heinrich Klaasen then contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by debutant Rushil Ugarkar.

This set the stage for Hetmyer's match-winning heroics.

With the required run rate increasing and wickets falling, Hetmyer shifted gears. He remained unbeaten on 97 off just 40 deliveries, hitting 5 fours and 9 massive sixes, achieving an extraordinary strike rate of 242.50.

The tension reached its peak on the final ball, with five runs needed for victory. Hetmyer, facing MI New York skipper Kieron Pollard, executed a perfect flick-whip over fine leg, sending the ball soaring for a six that will be remembered as one of the most valuable of his T20 career. The Seattle camp erupted in jubilation.

"This one is one of the best, because our backs were against the wall and I'm still grimacing over the last game where we couldn't cross the line," said Hetmyer, who was named Player of the Match.

"Today is one of those days, where I went with a clear mind and wanted to take the game as deep as possible. That (injury) actually gave me a little bit of help, because I didn't want to run much," he added.