Hetmyer's Heroics: Last-Ball Six Seals Record-Breaking Orcas Victory Over MI New York

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

Shimron Hetmyer seals the victory with a remarkable six.

The Orcas successfully chased down a mammoth target of 238, the highest in MLC history, with Hetmyer's calm and calculated assault proving to be the difference. He finished with an unbeaten 97 off just 40 balls.

MI New York had earlier set a formidable target of 237/4, thanks to a blistering innings from captain Nicholas Pooran, who remained undefeated on 108 from 60 balls, laced with 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing 95 off a mere 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas managed to claw back some control through Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, who both picked up two wickets.

Seattle's chase began shakily, with Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir falling early in the powerplay. Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) then launched a rapid counter-attack to revive the innings. Heinrich Klaasen also contributed with a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Rushil Ugarkar.

Hetmyer then took center stage. With the required run rate escalating and wickets falling, he shifted gears, striking 5 fours and 9 sixes to reach an unbeaten 97 off 40 balls, at a phenomenal strike rate of 242.50.

The equation came down to the final ball, with five runs needed for victory. Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard, and with ice in his veins, he flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, triggering wild celebrations 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.