Klaasen Smashes First Century Of MCL As Orcas Overpower MI New York
The Seattle Orcas showcased their class and determination in a scintillating match against MI New York, emerging victorious by just two wickets at Church Street Park, Morrisville. In a high-scoring encounter, Heinrich Klaasen etched his name in history, becoming the first-ever player to score a century in MLC, delivering an unbeaten knock of 110 runs off 44 balls that steered the Orcas to a remarkable win.
Opting to bowl first, the Seattle Orcas initially had MI New York on the back foot, claiming early wickets of Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir. However, a crucial partnership between Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard helped New York recover, with Pooran’s blazing 68-run knock being a highlight. MI New York posted a formidable total of 194 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Imad Wasim and Harmeet Singh leading the Orcas’ bowling attack.
Chasing the challenging target, Seattle Orcas had a steady start, but lost Quinton de Kock and Shehan Jayasuriya early on. Nauman Anwar’s vital half-century provided support to the determined Heinrich Klaasen, who anchored the innings amidst the fall of wickets. With the game heading for a nail-biting finish, the Orcas needed 19 runs from the final two overs. Klaasen rose to the occasion, displaying masterful strokes and reaching the milestone of the first MLC century. In an electrifying climax, Klaasen’s game-winning six off the second ball of the nineteenth over secured the victory for the Orcas, who triumphed with Klaasen unbeaten at 110 runs off 44 balls.
The encounter witnessed an impressive bowling performance from MI New York’s Trent Boult, who claimed four wickets, and Rashid Khan, who took two wickets. The Orcas’ well-coordinated attack, led by Klaasen’s heroic innings, ensured an enthralling and historic clash in the Major League Cricket.
Brief Scores: Seattle Orcas 195/8 (Heinrich Klaasen 110*, Nauman Anwar 51, Trent Boult 4/31) beat MI New York 194/8 (Nicholas Pooran 68, Kieron Pollard 34, Imad Wasim 2/23) by 2 wickets.
