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

Image credit: MLC

Shimron Hetmyer delivered a stunning performance, smashing a last-ball six to propel the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling three-wicket victory over MI New York in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. This dramatic win marked the Orcas' first of the season and capped off a record-breaking chase.

Facing a daunting target of 238 – the highest successful run chase in MLC history – Hetmyer remained composed under pressure, launching Kieron Pollard's final delivery over the boundary to secure the win.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a formidable total of 237/4, largely thanks to a brilliant, unbeaten innings from captain Nicholas Pooran, who scored 108 runs 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, the Orcas bowlers managed to regain some control, with Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers each taking two wickets.

Seattle's chase got off to a shaky start, 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 also added a quick 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Rushil Ugarkar.

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

With the required run rate increasing and wickets falling, Hetmyer accelerated, scoring an unbeaten 97 off just 40 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 9 sixes, resulting in an impressive strike rate of 242.50.

In the final over, with five runs needed for victory, Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard. He executed a superb flick over fine leg for a six, securing a memorable victory for the Seattle Orcas.

"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.