Hetmyer's Heroics: Orcas Stun MI New York with Last-Ball Six in Record-Breaking MLC Chase

Hetmyer's Last-Ball Six Steals Victory for Seattle Orcas in Record MLC Chase

In a stunning display of power hitting, Shimron Hetmyer propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling three-wicket victory over MI New York with a last-ball six, marking their first win of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. The Orcas successfully chased down a formidable 238, the highest ever in MLC history, thanks to Hetmyer's nerve-wracking performance under pressure. He smashed Kieron Pollard for a six to secure the win.

Image credit: MLC

MI New York had earlier set a daunting target of 237/4, fueled by captain Nicholas Pooran's explosive unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, comprising 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing a rapid 95 off only 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas bowlers, particularly Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, managed to grab two wickets each, briefly slowing down the scoring.

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, reigniting the chase. Heinrich Klaasen then contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before falling to debutant Rushil Ugarkar.

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

With the required run rate escalating and wickets falling, Hetmyer shifted gears, unleashing an unbeaten 97 off a mere 40 deliveries. His innings included 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, resulting in 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 captain Kieron Pollard, held his composure, got inside the line of the delivery, and flicked it over fine leg for a six that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant in his T20 career. The shot sparked jubilant celebrations within the Seattle camp.

"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.