Hetmyer's Last-Ball Six Stuns Pollard, Orcas Complete Record MLC Chase Against MI New York

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

In a stunning display of power hitting, Shimron Hetmyer propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling victory over MI New York in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Hetmyer's explosive innings culminated in a last-ball six, securing a three-wicket win and completing the highest successful run chase in MLC history.

Image credit: MLC

Chasing a formidable target of 238, the Orcas looked to be in a precarious position before Hetmyer's arrival. MI New York had earlier posted an imposing 237/4, largely due to Nicholas Pooran's scintillating, unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing 95 off a mere 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas bowlers, including Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, managed to pick up two wickets each, briefly slowing down the scoring rate.

Seattle's chase began shakily, with early wickets falling inside the powerplay. However, Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a counter-attack, injecting momentum into the innings. Heinrich Klaasen also contributed with a quickfire 26 off 13 balls.

Then came Hetmyer's heroics.

With the required run rate escalating and wickets continuing to fall, Hetmyer shifted gears. He blazed his way to an unbeaten 97 off just 40 balls, striking 5 fours and an incredible 9 sixes, resulting in a stunning strike rate of 242.50.

The tension reached its peak in the final over. With five runs needed off the last ball, Hetmyer faced MI New York captain Kieron Pollard. He connected perfectly, sending the ball soaring over fine leg for a six that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of 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 deservedly 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."