Having won the toss, the Orcas elected to bowl, hoping to capitalize on the pitch conditions and restrict New York’s batting lineup. The decision didn’t proved much fruitful as the Kieron Pollard-led side posted a competitive total of 194/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Shayan Jahangir provided his team a brisk start, scoring 19 runs off 14 balls. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, putting the team under pressure. Nicholas Pooran‘s fiery knock of 68 runs off 34 balls, including 7 sixes, gave a much-needed boost to the innings. Captain Pollard’s aggressive 34 runs off 18 balls also contributed to the total. For Orcas, Imad Wasim and Harmeet Singh picked up 2 wickets each.
Chasing a challenging target of 195 runs for victory, the Orcas had a shaky start with Quinton de Kock falling early. But, Nauman Anwar‘s explosive innings of 51 runs off 30 balls, along with a sensational century by Heinrich Klaasen, turned the tide in favour of the Orcas. Klaasen’s remarkable knock of 110 runs off just 44 balls, featuring 9 fours and 7 sixes, was the highlight of the match and earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Despite a late wobble, the Orcas managed to chase down the highest total of the MLC 2023 in the final over, finishing at 195-8 in 19.2 overs. Trent Boult was the standout bowler for MINY, taking 4 wickets for 31 runs in his 4 overs. Rashid Khan and Nosthush Kenjige also contributed with 2 and 1 wickets, respectively.
With this thrilling 2-wicket victory, the Orcas secured the top spot in the league standings, and they have progressed directly to the Qualifier 1. On the other hand, MINY will have to face the Eliminator match as they finished in the second spot.
Heinrich Klaasen, you beauty!
MLC's first ever centurionleads the Seattle Orcas to a record chase AND to the
of the table!#MLC2023 pic.twitter.com/RHDqO4jSqo
— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 26, 2023
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