Hetmyer's Last-Ball Heroics Seal Record-Breaking MLC Chase for Seattle Orcas Against Pollard's MI New York

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 completed a thrilling three-wicket win against MI New York in a match that will be remembered for its dramatic finish.

The Orcas successfully chased down a massive target of 238, marking the highest successful run chase in MLC history. Hetmyer's composure under pressure proved to be the difference, as he launched Kieron Pollard's final delivery over the boundary to snatch victory.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a formidable target, posting 237/4. Nicholas Pooran, the captain, led the charge with an impressive unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, hitting 7 fours and 8 sixes. He found valuable support from Tajinder Dhillon, who contributed a rapid 95 off only 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas managed to regain some control through Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, each taking two wickets to slow down the scoring rate.

Seattle's innings began shakily, 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, revitalizing the chase. Heinrich Klaasen also added a quick 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by debutant Rushil Ugarkar, setting the stage for Hetmyer's spectacular finish.

That set the stage for Hetmyer’s heroics.

With the required run rate increasing and wickets falling, Hetmyer shifted gears. He remained unbeaten on 97, scored from just 40 deliveries, hitting 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, achieving a remarkable strike rate of 242.50.

In the final over, with five runs needed for victory, Hetmyer seized the moment. Facing MI New York's captain, Kieron Pollard, Hetmyer maneuvered inside the line of the delivery and flicked it over fine leg for a six. This shot not only secured the win but may also be remembered as the most significant six of his T20 career, igniting 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.