Hetmyer's Last-Gasp Six Stuns Pollard, Propels Orcas to Record-Breaking MLC Victory

In a stunning display of power hitting, Shimron Hetmyer propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling victory over MI New York in a record-breaking chase in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Hetmyer's remarkable last-ball six secured a three-wicket win for the Orcas, who successfully chased down a daunting target of 238.

Image credit: MLC

The Orcas' victory marked the highest successful run chase in MLC history, as Hetmyer's heroics overshadowed Nicholas Pooran's explosive century for MI New York.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a formidable target of 237/4, largely thanks to captain Nicholas Pooran's blistering unbeaten innings of 108 runs off just 60 balls, decorated with 7 fours and 8 sixes. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support with a rapid 95 off 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Seattle Orcas bowlers managed to regain some control, with Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers each claiming two wickets to slow down the scoring rate.

Seattle's chase began poorly, losing Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir early in the powerplay. However, Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) launched a swift counterattack, injecting momentum into the chase. Heinrich Klaasen further contributed with a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

Hetmyer then took center stage.

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

The game reached its climax on the final ball, with five runs needed for victory. Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard, anticipated the delivery, and flicked it over fine leg for a six, securing a memorable win for the Seattle Orcas.

"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.