Hetmyer's Last-Ball Six Snatches Record-Breaking MLC Victory for Seattle Orcas Against Pollard's 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 the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. This remarkable win marked the highest successful run chase in MLC history.

Image credit: MLC

Chasing a formidable target of 238, Hetmyer's composure under pressure proved to be the difference, as he launched Kieron Pollard over the boundary to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Earlier in the match, MI New York had set a daunting total of 237/4, thanks to a brilliant innings from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran smashed an unbeaten 108 off just 60 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. He was well-supported by Tajinder Dhillon, who blazed his way to 95 off a mere 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Orcas managed to regain some control through Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, both of whom claimed two wickets each.

Seattle's chase began poorly, 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 counterattack to revive the innings. Heinrich Klaasen then contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed by debutant Rushil Ugarkar.

That set the stage for Hetmyer's heroics.

As the required run rate increased and wickets continued to fall, Hetmyer shifted gears. He remained unbeaten on 97 off just 40 balls, hitting 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, with a remarkable strike rate of 242.50.

With five runs needed off the final ball, Hetmyer delivered. Facing MI New York skipper Kieron Pollard, he executed a brilliant flick over fine leg for a six that will be remembered as one of the most valuable of his T20 career. The shot sparked jubilant 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.