In a clash that saw two modern T20 greats go head to head in a dramatic final over, Shimron Hetmyer secured a historic first win for the Seattle Orcas in this season's MLC, earning two crucial points that keep the playoff dream alive.

With new captain Sikandar Raza leading the line, the Seattle Orcas opted to bowl first for their second consecutive game. Kyle Mayers made early inroads, picking up the key wicket of Quinton de Kock in an exceptional first over, leaving MI New York 4-1. De Kock posted a standout 70 of 46 against the SF Unicorns in his last outing and is widely regarded as a key piece of the South African golden, having captained the Proteas in all three formats.

The promising start, however, would not carry through the powerplay as Monank Patel and captain Nicholas Pooran dominated proceedings. Pooran’s onslaught set the tone for a destructive innings, as the West Indian found himself 37 (17) after the powerful.

At the other end, Tajinder Singh looked in good touch as the American batsman grew into the game with controlled strokes before unleashing a hat-trick of sixes against Cameron Gannon in the 13th. The 26-run over was a killer blow to Raza’s men, as MI New York quickly pulled away, reaching 199-2 after 16.

Despite bowling changes, the blistering partnership continued to light up Grand Prairie Stadium, with Pooran smashing a stunning 108 off 60 while Tajinder Singh’s historic 95 (35) drew praise from all in attendance. In a beautiful moment, the camera captured a smiling Shimron Hetmyer applauding the American batsman as he walked off. A night he’ll never forget.

In an overlooked but defining phase of the match, the Seattle Orcas managed to restrict the opposition to 19 off the last three, still facing a mammoth target of 238 to win.

Seattle began their chase with a needed blend of composure and aggression. For a side that is lacking in batting confidence, Raza’s men kept above the required run-rate throughout the powerplay and middle overs. Shayan Jahangir and Kyle Mayers built an early partnership that was followed by a quick-fire cameo of 30 (9) from skipper Raza. Raza targeted Ehsan Adil and Delano Potgieter, showing no mercy with boundaries all over the park.

With Mayers and Raza’s wickets falling, Heinrich Klaasen joined the chase, providing a reassuring 26 (13), momentarily taking the building pressure off Hetmyer. With little batting left, and Klaasen soon departing with a mistimed pull-shot finding mid-wicket, all hopes rested on Hetmyer.

The man from Guyana was following an impressive top-order display, with a series of brave innings building a foundation to capitalize on. A game of cat and mouse followed, with pressure building after a series of slow overs from Trent Boult and Rushil Ugarkar.

With Jasdeep Singh struggling to time the ball and a hobbling Hetmyer eager to keep strike, the game turned towards MINY. A thrilling 19th over saw Heymyer dispatch Adil for three sixes down the ground, setting up a nail-biting finish.

Kieron Pollard was given the responsibility to bowl the final over and outfoxed Singh, who failed to connect with two slow off-cutters. A similar third delivery was desperately struck by Singh, allowing Hetmyer to take strike. 8 needed from 3. Hetmyer braced himself as the big West Indian charged forward, releasing a slower ball bouncer that flew over Hetmyer's late swing. No wide given, despite adamant appeals from Hetmyer and the Seattle dugout.

Mistiming the following length delivery into the offside, Hetmyer scrambled back for two. A wave of anticipation loomed around the Grand Prairie Stadium as a sweaty Hetmyer took guard under the floodlights. 6 off 1. Cricket’s ultimate test. It’s very own buzzer-beater, last-minute goal, hole-in-one, moment.

A slower length delivery was met with a powerful whip over fine leg, Hetmyer patiently getting under the ball and timing it well as it sailed into the stands. A statement victory for Seattle. The highest-ever run chase in MLC history. A defining 97 (40) which will be forever etched into the MLC folklore.

Now level on points with the LA Knight Riders and MI New York, the Seattle Orcas must regroup for a crucial clash against LAKR tonight.

Written by - Bharat Singh