Hetmyer's Heroics: Orcas Stun MI New York with Last-Ball Six in Record-Breaking MLC Chase

In a stunning display of power hitting, Shimron Hetmyer smashed a last-ball six off Kieron Pollard to secure a thrilling three-wicket victory for the Seattle Orcas over MI New York in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. The Orcas successfully chased down a mammoth target of 238, marking the highest successful run chase in MLC history.

Image credit: MLC

MI New York had earlier posted a formidable 237/4, thanks to a blistering, unbeaten 108 from captain Nicholas Pooran, who struck 7 fours and 8 sixes in his 60-ball innings. Tajinder Dhillon provided valuable support, smashing a rapid 95 off just 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas bowlers, particularly Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, managed to grab two wickets each, which helped to limit the damage.

Seattle's chase got off to a shaky start, losing Josh Brown and Shayan Jahangir early. However, Kyle Mayers (37 off 20) and captain Sikandar Raza (30 off 9) counter-attacked to revive the innings. Heinrich Klaasen then contributed a quick 26 off 13 before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

This set the stage for Hetmyer's incredible performance.

As the required run rate escalated and wickets fell, Hetmyer shifted gears. He remained unbeaten on 97, scoring off just 40 balls with 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, resulting in an astonishing strike rate of 242.50.

With five runs needed off the final ball, Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard. He maneuvered himself into position and flicked the ball over fine leg for a six, securing a memorable victory 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.