Hetmyer's Last-Gasp Six Sinks MI New York as Orcas Achieve Record MLC Chase

Shimron Hetmyer delivered a stunning performance, smashing a last-ball six to secure a thrilling three-wicket victory for the Seattle Orcas against MI New York in a record-breaking chase in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season.

Image credit: MLC

The Orcas successfully chased down a mammoth target of 238, the highest ever in MLC history, with Hetmyer's unbeaten 97 off just 40 balls proving to be the difference. His innings included 5 fours and 9 sixes, leaving the opposition stunned.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a formidable total of 237/4, thanks to a brilliant century from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran remained unbeaten on 108, hitting 7 fours and 8 sixes in his explosive 60-ball innings. Tajinder Dhillon also contributed a blistering 95 off 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught from the MI New York batsmen, the Orcas bowlers, Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, managed to grab two wickets each.

Seattle's chase got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets in the powerplay. However, Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a counter-attack, injecting momentum into the innings. Heinrich Klaasen added a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

Then came Hetmyer's incredible knock. With the required run rate increasing, he took charge, displaying power hitting to all parts of the ground.

With five runs needed off the final ball, Hetmyer faced MI New York's captain Kieron Pollard. He expertly flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, sparking celebrations in the Seattle Orcas camp.

"This one is one of the best, because our backs were against the wall," said Hetmyer, the Player of the Match, after his match-winning performance. "Today is one of those days, where I went with a clear mind and wanted to take the game as deep as possible."