Hetmyer's Heroics: Last-Ball Six Seals Record 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, chasing down a record total in dramatic fashion.

Facing a daunting target of 238 – the highest successful run chase in MLC history – Hetmyer held his composure under immense pressure. With five runs needed off the final delivery, he launched Kieron Pollard over the fine leg boundary, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and sending the Seattle camp into wild celebration.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a formidable 237/4, propelled by a magnificent innings from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran remained unbeaten on 108, dispatching 7 fours and 8 sixes in his 60-ball onslaught. He found valuable support from Tajinder Dhillon, who blazed his way to 95 off just 35 deliveries.

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

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

However, Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a rapid counter-attack, injecting momentum back into the chase. Heinrich Klaasen further contributed with a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

That set the stage for Hetmyer’s match-winning innings.

With the required run rate climbing and wickets falling, Hetmyer shifted gears and went on the offensive. He remained unbeaten on a blistering 97 off just 40 deliveries, smashing 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, finishing with a remarkable strike rate of 242.50.

As the game reached its climax, with five runs needed from the final ball, Hetmyer stepped up to the challenge. Facing MI New York skipper Kieron Pollard, Hetmyer expertly flicked the ball over fine leg for a six that will be remembered as one of the most valuable of his T20 career.

"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.