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

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.

Shimron Hetmyer celebrates after hitting the winning six.

The Orcas successfully chased down a massive target of 238, the highest ever in MLC history, thanks to Hetmyer's explosive hitting under immense pressure. He finished with an unbeaten 97 off just 40 balls, including 5 fours and 9 sixes, to steal the win from MI New York.

MI New York had earlier set a formidable 237/4, spearheaded by captain Nicholas Pooran's blistering unbeaten 108 off 60 balls, featuring 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing 95 off just 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers managed to grab two wickets each, helping the Orcas regain some control.

Seattle's chase 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 rapid counter-attack to get the innings back on track. Heinrich Klaasen also contributed with a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Rushil Ugarkar.

Then Hetmyer took center stage. With the required run rate soaring and wickets falling, he shifted gears, ultimately leading his team to victory.

With five runs needed off the final delivery, Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard. He expertly flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, potentially the most significant of his T20 career, sparking jubilant scenes in the Seattle camp.

"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.