LAUDERHILL, Fla. — The Seattle Orcas have surged back into playoff contention in the 2025 Major League Cricket season, following three dramatic, come-from-behind victories.

After sitting winless just one week ago, Seattle now occupies fourth place in the standings. With two matches remaining and momentum in their favor, the Orcas control their own destiny.

The team faces a crucial back-to-back stretch, beginning Friday night under the lights at Central Broward Park, where they take on the Washington Freedom. Washington had been riding a six-game winning streak before dropping points in a rain-affected match against the Texas Super Kings, slipping out of the top two positions.

Seattle is battling to secure the final playoff berth, while Washington aims to reclaim a top-two finish. A win for the Orcas would put them in strong position to advance, while a loss could leave their fate hanging on the final group-stage result.

Hetmyer’s Form Boosts Orcas

Shimron Hetmyer has been the standout performer for Seattle in recent matches, notching three consecutive half-centuries and earning Player of the Match honors in each outing. His contributions have been key to the team’s resurgence.

Top-order batter Shayan Jahangir has also provided steady performances, while T20 veteran Heinrich Klaasen remains a potential game-changer. Klaasen is yet to deliver a signature knock this season, but teammates and fans alike will hope he finds form when it matters most.

Orcas Bowlers Face Freedom’s Power-Hitters

Seattle’s bowlers rose to the occasion in their recent win over the San Francisco Unicorns, one of the league’s most dangerous batting units. They will need a similarly disciplined effort against a potent Freedom lineup led by Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra and Mitch Owen.

Harmeet Singh, Gerald Coetzee, Jasdeep Singh and Ayan Desai have all played key roles, particularly Desai, who has delivered timely wickets in the middle overs. Captain Sikandar Raza’s use of bowling resources — including possible tactical adjustments — will be critical.

A Chance for Redemption

The Orcas opened their 2025 campaign with a heavy defeat to Washington Freedom, posting just 145 before losing in 13 overs. Since then, the squad has improved in focus, execution and belief.

Containing Maxwell early will be a priority for Seattle’s bowlers, while the Orcas’ batters will need to navigate the speed and accuracy of Freedom pacer Lockie Ferguson.

With a playoff berth within reach, Seattle enters another must-win match playing with unity, confidence and purpose.

📺 Match Details
 🗓️ Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM PDT / 7:00 PM EDT
 📍 Venue: Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, FL
 📺 Broadcast: Willow TV (National) | Root Sports (Local)