The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) broke their duck in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season with a dominating six-wicket victory over the Seattle Orcas (SEO) in Dallas.
Due to a match-winning unbeaten 86 by Unmukt Chand and a good spell by Andre Russell, LAKR ended their three-match losing streak, while SEO are still winless after four games. Unmukt also won the player of the match award for his exceptional performance.
Orcas Batters History Despite Impressive Start
Opting to bat first, the Seattle Orcas set a battle total of177/6, all due to the contributions from the opening batsmen, including Shayan Jahangir and David Warner, who started SEO’s innings off with a bang, scoring 33 runs in just 3.3 overs. Unfortunately, the skipper of LAKR, Jason Holder, broke the partnership when he dismissed Jahangir for 26 runs off 15 balls.
Warner was content to go along with Aaron Jones, taking the score to 85 in the 11th over, until he was caught by Russell for 38 after 28 balls. Jones, who was slow early with a run-a-ball 29, exploded in the second part of his innings, eventually finishing with 44 off 36 with two sixes.
Regardless of this promising foundation, SEO struggled in the death overs and with Heinrich Klaasen and Kyle Mayers not having an impact, were restricted to just 39 runs in the final 4 overs. Andre Russell played a key role in the run-rate, taking great figures of 3/3,0, including the penultimate over, which went for just two runs, largely thanks to Shimron Hetmyer.
Chand Anchors LAKR’s Chase After Early Setback
LAKR’s pursuit of 178 began poorly as they struggled to 7/2 in the first three overs. Unmukt Chand, though, remained firm through the crisis, adding solidity early on and then increasing the pace when required. At the end of the powerplay, LAKR were 45/2, with Chand getting into a groove through measured aggression.
Halfway through the innings, Knight Riders had reached a comfortable 72/2, with Chand on 42 off 36 balls and Saif Badar on 17 off 16. But a turning point came over when Chand belted Gerald Coetzee for two sixes and two fours, scoring 20 runs and giving the game a definite turn.
Badar then took the strike to great effect, scoring two sixes and one four quickly. Their 139-run partnership of 79 balls formed the foundation of LAKR’s winning chase. Badar finally left after a stunning 54 off 32, but the damage was done.
Though Rovman Powell didn’t survive long, Chand remained strong and, ably supported by Sherfane Rutherford, led LAKR to a decisive victory with 10 overs remaining, scoring 86 not out off 58 balls.
Major Highlights – LAKR vs SEO MLC 2025
Seattle Orcas: 177/6 in 20 overs
Aaron Jones: 44 (36), David Warner: 38 (28), Shayan Jahangir: 26 (15)
Andre Russell: 3/30, Jason Holder: 1/25
Los Angeles Knight Riders: 180/4 in 18.2 overs
Unmukt Chand: 86* (58), Saif Badar: 54 (32)
Gerald Coetzee: 1/45, Harmeet Singh: 1/28
What This Win Means for LAKR and SEO
This LAKR vs SEO match was a game-changer for the Knight Riders, who were under fire following three consecutive defeats. The return of form by Unmukt Chand and the brilliance of Russell with the ball are a huge boost as the tournament wears on.
In contrast, SEO’s failure to hold a strong total and their fourth consecutive loss has left them at the bottom of the points table. They will require a turnaround of sorts to remain in playoff contention.
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