Hetmyer's Heroics: Last-Ball Six Seals Record-Breaking Chase for Seattle Orcas Against Pollard's MI New York

Shimron Hetmyer delivered a stunning performance, smashing a last-ball six to propel the Seattle Orcas to a dramatic three-wicket victory over MI New York in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. This remarkable win marks the Orcas' first of the season and sets a new record for the highest successful run chase in MLC history.

Image credit: MLC

The Orcas were set a daunting target of 238 after MI New York's impressive innings. Nicholas Pooran, the MI New York captain, led the charge with an explosive, unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, decorated with 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, hammering a quickfire 95 off 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, Seattle Orcas bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers managed to grab two wickets each, helping to contain the scoring somewhat.

Seattle's chase began shakily, losing Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir early in the powerplay. However, Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a swift counter-attack to reignite the chase. Heinrich Klaasen also contributed a rapid 26 off 13 balls before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

Hetmyer then took center stage, with the required run rate escalating and wickets falling. He played an extraordinary innings, remaining unbeaten on 97 off just 40 deliveries. His innings included 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, achieving a remarkable strike rate of 242.50.

The game reached a nail-biting climax on the final ball, with five runs needed for victory. Hetmyer faced MI New York's captain, Kieron Pollard. With remarkable composure, Hetmyer flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, securing a memorable victory for the Seattle Orcas.

"This one is one of the best, because our backs were against the wall," said Hetmyer, the Player of the Match, after the game. "Today is one of those days, where I went with a clear mind and wanted to take the game as deep as possible."