Hetmyer's Heroics: Last-Ball Six Clinches Record MLC Chase for Seattle Orcas Against MI New York

Shimron Hetmyer's stunning performance propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling victory in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, overcoming MI New York by three wickets in a match that went down to the wire.

The Orcas successfully chased down a formidable target of 238, marking the highest successful run chase in MLC history, thanks to Hetmyer's explosive hitting and composure under pressure. With five runs needed off the final ball, Hetmyer dispatched Kieron Pollard's delivery over the boundary for a match-winning six.

Earlier in the match, MI New York set a daunting target, posting 237/4. Captain Nicholas Pooran led the charge with an impressive unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, embellished with 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing a quick-fire 95 off 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas bowlers, including Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers (2 wickets each), managed to regain some control and limit the damage.

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 revive the innings. Heinrich Klaasen contributed a rapid 26 off 13 balls before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

This set the stage for Hetmyer's spectacular display.

As the required run rate increased and wickets fell, Hetmyer took charge, scoring an unbeaten 97 off just 40 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 9 sixes, achieving a remarkable strike rate of 242.50.

In the final over, with the pressure mounting, Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard. With five needed for victory, he flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, securing a memorable win for the Seattle Orcas and triggering jubilant celebrations.

"This one is one of the best, because our backs were against the wall," said Hetmyer, the 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."