Hetmyer's Last-Gasp Six Seals Record-Breaking MLC Chase for Seattle Orcas

Image credit: MLC

Shimron Hetmyer delivered a stunning performance, smashing a last-ball six to secure the Seattle Orcas' first victory of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. The Orcas pulled off a remarkable three-wicket win against MI New York, completing the highest successful run chase in MLC history.

Facing a daunting target of 238, Hetmyer remained calm under pressure and 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 score of 237/4, largely thanks to a brilliant innings from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran hit an unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. He was well supported by Tajinder Dhillon, who contributed a rapid 95 off 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught from MI New York's batsmen, the Orcas managed to regain some control through Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, who each claimed two wickets.

Seattle's chase got off to a shaky start, with Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir falling early in the powerplay.

Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) then launched a swift counter-attack, bringing the chase back on track. Heinrich Klaasen also contributed with a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Rushil Ugarkar, who was making his debut.

That set the stage for Hetmyer’s heroic innings.

With the required run rate increasing and wickets falling, Hetmyer shifted gears. He blazed his way to an unbeaten 97 off just 40 deliveries, hitting 5 fours and 9 sixes at an incredible strike rate of 242.50.

In the final over, with five runs needed for victory, Hetmyer rose to the occasion. Facing MI New York captain Kieron Pollard, Hetmyer stayed composed, got inside the line of the delivery, and flicked it over fine leg for a six that could be the most valuable of his T20 career. The shot sparked jubilant celebrations in 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 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. That (injury) actually gave me a little bit of help, because I didn't want to run much," he added.