Shimron Hetmyer Heroics End Orcas’ Losing Streak: With six runs needed from the last ball, Seattle Orcas’ Shimron Hetmyer made every young cricketer’s dream come true by smashing MI New York’s Kieron Pollard for a big six over deep fine leg. This exciting moment happened during the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) match at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Saturday.
Shimron Hetmyer’s Last-Ball Six Seals Dramatic Win
MI New York’s captain, Nicholas Pooran, trusted Pollard to defend nine runs in the final over. Hetmyer’s batting partner, number nine Jessy Singh, had trouble getting a run and only gave Hetmyer the strike on the third ball. Hetmyer then managed just two runs from the next two balls, which meant he needed six runs from the final delivery and he delivered.
Kieron Pollard, with his slow and short run-up, tried to surprise Hetmyer by bowling a ball aimed at his body. But he missed his mark, and the ball went further down the leg side. Hetmyer crouched low, got under the ball, and pulled it over the wicketkeeper for a six. The ball sailed all the way, sparking wild celebrations – his teammates were thrilled, and he looked like a superhero to them.
Shimron Hetmyer was almost single-handedly carrying the Seattle Orcas. They were chasing a huge total of 238, which came after a brilliant century from MI captain Nicholas Pooran and 95 from Tajinder Dhillon. When Hetmyer came in to bat, the Orcas were struggling at 107 for 4 in the eighth over.
More crazy final ball scenes in the MLC! 🤯
There was six needed off the last ball for Shimron Hetmyer and Seattle to complete a successful chase of 238.
Kieron Pollard running in to bowl… pic.twitter.com/AkdeD1IK0l
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) June 28, 2025
Heinrich Klaasen got out soon after, and with the lower-order batsmen coming in, Hetmyer took charge. He kept most of the strike and made sure the run-rate didn’t get out of control. Even though he was dealing with a minor injury, he went all out in the 16th and 19th overs, scoring 18 and 23 runs in those overs, setting things up perfectly for his last-ball heroics.
“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,” Hetmyer said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“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.
The win ended the Orcas’ 10-match losing streak and how.
Official Statement from Orcas Management
The Seattle Orcas are having a tough time in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season and have decided to part ways with their head coach, Matthew Mott, halfway through the season. The team has only played six matches so far and is near the bottom of the standings. According to a statement on the MLC website, the coach left because of “differences in coaching and management strategies.”
In another major change, team captain Heinrich Klaasen has stepped down from the role so he can focus more on his batting. Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza will now take over as the new captain.
“This is a moment of reflection and renewal for the Seattle Orcas. This has been a tough run for the team, and with it, some difficult decisions had to be made. We are grateful to Matthew for his commitment and professionalism during his time with us, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” said Hemant Dua, CEO of the team.
“We respect Heinrich’s decision to step down voluntarily as captain to focus on his batting. This reflects his character and team-first mindset. Sikandar was our unanimous choice once we heard from Klassen about his decision. We believe these changes set the stage for a strong second half of the season.”
The Orcas were the best team in 2023 and even reached the final, but things went downhill in 2024 when they finished last. This season is looking just as bad, with the team once again stuck at the bottom of the standings.
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