Jones, Hetmyer Power Seattle Orcas to Vital Win, Leaving Knight Riders Stranded in MLC 2025

The Seattle Orcas are making a strong push towards the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 playoffs, securing a crucial five-wicket victory over the Los Angeles Knight Riders after successfully chasing down another formidable 200+ target. This win marks their second consecutive triumph in the tournament.

Shimron Hetmyer celebrates his fifty with Kyle Mayers as the Orcas successfully chase down another target.

The Knight Riders, after being put in to bat, struggled to gain momentum early on. The pitch offered some grip, making it difficult for batsmen to time their shots effectively. Andre Fletcher managed to find the boundary on occasion, providing a glimmer of hope during the powerplay. However, Harmeet Singh's tight bowling earned him a wicket as Fletcher was caught at long-off.

In a surprising move, Andre Russell entered at No. 3 but initially adopted a cautious approach, particularly against spin. The Knight Riders then suffered a mini-collapse, losing two quick wickets to find themselves at 48/3. Russell then partnered with Saif Badar to steady the ship. Later, Rovman Powell joined Russell to accelerate the scoring rate. Badar was eventually dismissed for 41, caught by Klaasen off Salamkheil. The partnerships between Russell-Badar and Russell-Powell helped propel LAKR past the 200-run mark. Russell achieved his first half-century of the season, remaining unbeaten on 65 off 39 balls. Powell's explosive 43* off 21 balls ensured a strong finish for the Knight Riders, ending their innings at 202/4.

Waqar Salamkheil was the standout bowler for the Orcas, claiming 2/29 in his four overs. Harmeet Singh and Ayan Desai each contributed with one wicket.

Seattle's chase of 203 began poorly, losing opener Josh Brown on the second ball. However, Aaron Jones and Shayan Jahangir forged a brilliant 119-run partnership for the second wicket. They took calculated risks to maintain a healthy scoring rate. Jones reached his maiden MLC fifty before being dismissed by Schalkwyk off Holder for 73 (38 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes).

The Orcas then experienced a mini-collapse, losing Jahangir, Klaasen, and Sikandar Raza in quick succession. However, Shimron Hetmyer continued his excellent form from the previous match, smashing six sixes and four boundaries in a blistering 26-ball 64* to guide Seattle to victory comfortably. Kyle Mayers provided valuable support with 9 off 12 balls.

Among the Knight Riders' bowlers, Jason Holder impressed with 2 wickets, while Tanveer Sangha also took 2/39. Andre Russell claimed one wicket for 29 runs in his four-over spell.

Match Summary:

Los Angeles Knight Riders: 202 for 4 (Andre Russell 65 not out, Rovman Powell 43*, Saif Badar 41; Waqar Salamkheil 2-29)

Seattle Orcas: 206 for 5 (Aaron Jones 73, Shimron Hetmyer 64*, Jahangir 43; Jason Holder 2-36, Jason Sangha 2-39)