Hetmyer's Heroics: Last-Ball Six Seals Record MLC Chase for Seattle Orcas Against MI New York

Image credit: MLC

MI New York had earlier set a formidable target, posting 237/4, thanks to a blistering unbeaten century from captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran's innings of 108 off just 60 balls, which included 7 fours and 8 sixes, was well-supported by Tajinder Dhillon, who blazed his way to 95 off only 35 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, the Seattle Orcas managed to claw back some control through Gerald Coetzee and Kyle Mayers, who each took two wickets.

Seattle's chase got off to a shaky start, 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 counter-attack. Heinrich Klaasen contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls before falling to Rushil Ugarkar.

Hetmyer then took center stage.

With the required run rate escalating, Hetmyer exploded, smashing an unbeaten 97 off a mere 40 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, achieving an extraordinary strike rate of 242.50.

The game went down to the wire, with five runs needed off the final ball. Hetmyer faced Kieron Pollard, stayed low, got inside the line, and flicked it over fine leg for a six. This secured the victory and sparked jubilant celebrations within the Seattle Orcas camp. The shot may well be the most valuable six of his T20 career.

"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.