Hetmyer's Last-Gasp Six Seals Record-Breaking MLC Chase for Seattle Orcas; Pollard Suffers Final-Ball Defeat

Shimron Hetmyer's stunning display of power-hitting propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling victory over MI New York in a Major League Cricket (MLC) encounter. In a nail-biting finish, Hetmyer smashed a six off the final ball to secure a record-breaking chase of 238 runs.

The Orcas' win, achieved with just three wickets to spare, marks their first of the 2025 season. Hetmyer's heroics overshadowed a brilliant century from MI New York captain Nicholas Pooran and a rapid-fire innings from Tajinder Dhillon.

MI New York had earlier set a formidable target, posting 237/4. Pooran led the charge with an explosive, unbeaten 108 from 60 balls, decorated with 7 fours and 8 sixes. Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing 95 off a mere 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Seattle Orcas bowlers managed to regain some control. Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers each claimed two wickets, slowing down the scoring rate in the latter stages of the innings.

Seattle's reply began tentatively, with Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir falling early. However, Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a swift counter-attack, injecting momentum into the chase. Heinrich Klaasen contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by debutant Rushil Ugarkar, setting the stage for Hetmyer's match-winning innings.

Hetmyer's unbeaten 97 off 40 balls was a masterclass in power-hitting. He struck 5 fours and an incredible 9 sixes, showcasing a remarkable strike rate of 242.50.

The tension reached its peak on the final delivery. With five runs needed for victory, Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard. He skillfully maneuvered inside the line of the ball and flicked it over fine leg for a six, triggering jubilation in the Seattle Orcas camp. This shot will be remembered as one of the most significant sixes of his T20 career.

Speaking after the game, Hetmyer, who was named Player of the Match, acknowledged the pressure his team was under. "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," he said. He also added that an earlier injury helped him focus, as he "didn't want to run much."