Hetmyer's Last-Gasp Six Clinches Record MLC Run Chase for Seattle Orcas, Stuns MI New York

Hetmyer's Last-Ball Six Seals Record Chase for Seattle Orcas Against MI New York

Shimron Hetmyer's explosive batting display propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling victory in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, securing a dramatic three-wicket win against MI New York with a last-ball six.

Image credit: MLC

The Orcas successfully chased down a daunting target of 238, marking the highest successful run chase in MLC history. Hetmyer remained composed under pressure, launching Kieron Pollard's final delivery over the boundary to snatch victory.

MI New York had earlier set a formidable 237/4, fueled by a magnificent century from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran smashed an unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, scoring a rapid 95 off 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas bowlers, particularly Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers (two wickets each), managed to exert some control and slow the scoring rate.

Seattle's innings began shakily, 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 swift counter-attack to revive the chase. Heinrich Klaasen then contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by debutant Rushil Ugarkar.

That set the stage for Hetmyer's heroics.

With the required run rate escalating and wickets falling, Hetmyer shifted gears, smashing an unbeaten 97 off a mere 40 deliveries. His innings included 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, achieving an extraordinary strike rate of 242.50.

In the thrilling final moments, with five runs needed for victory off the last ball, Hetmyer stepped up. Facing MI New York captain Kieron Pollard, he skillfully flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, potentially the most significant of his T20 career. The Seattle camp erupted in celebration.

"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.