Aaron Jones, Shimron Hetmyer Power Seattle Orcas Past Knight Riders, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Seattle Orcas secured a crucial victory in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, defeating the Los Angeles Knight Riders by five wickets after successfully chasing down another imposing 200-plus target. This win marks their second consecutive triumph in the tournament, boosting their playoff aspirations.

Seattle Orcas' Shimron Hetmyer celebrates his half-century with Kyle Mayers.

After being put in to bat, the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) struggled to gain momentum, finding it difficult to time the ball on a slow-paced surface. Andre Fletcher managed to find the boundary on occasion. Harmeet Singh bowled three economical overs, eventually dismissing Fletcher, who was caught at long-off.

In a surprising tactical move, Andre Russell came in at No. 3 and initially played cautiously. The Knight Riders then lost two quick wickets to slump to 48/3. Russell then partnered with Saif Badar to steady the innings, and later Rovman Powell accelerated the scoring. Badar was eventually dismissed for 41, caught by Klaasen off Salamkheil. The partnerships between Russell-Badar and Russell-Powell propelled LAKR past 200. Russell reached his first half-century of the season and remained unbeaten on 65 from 39 deliveries, while Powell's explosive 43* off 21 balls helped them finish at 202/4.

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

Jones and Hetmyer Shine for Seattle

Seattle's chase of 203 got off to a rocky start when they lost opener Josh Brown on the second ball. However, Aaron Jones and Shayan Jahangir forged a superb 119-run partnership for the second wicket. They took calculated risks to keep the scoreboard moving. Jones reached his maiden MLC fifty before being dismissed by Schalkwyk off Holder for a well-made 73 (38 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes).

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

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

Brief Scores:

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)