GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (June 19, 2026) — The Seattle Orcas produced a superb batting display to chase down a daunting target of 217 and defeat Washington Freedom by five wickets with 14 balls to spare in an entertaining Major League Cricket encounter at Grand Prairie Stadium.

A blistering half-century from Tim Seifert and a composed supporting knock from Matthew Breetzke laid the foundation for the successful chase before Dasun Shanaka applied the finishing touches with a powerful unbeaten cameo.
Ottneil Baartman starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 33 and earning Player of the Match honors as the Seattle Orcas defeated Washington Freedom by five wickets. Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for MLC

Earlier, Washington Freedom appeared destined for an even larger total after dominating the first half of their innings. Mitchell Owen set the tone with an explosive 61 from just 25 deliveries, hammering 10 fours and two sixes as Freedom raced out of the blocks.

The aggressive start was complemented by Mark Chapman, who continued the assault with a sparkling 57 off 21 balls. With seven wickets in hand and the score at 179 for 3, Washington looked poised to surpass the 240-run mark.

However, the innings took a dramatic turn as Seattle’s bowlers sparked a remarkable collapse. Freedom lost their final seven wickets for only 37 runs, surrendering a position of complete control.

South African pacer Ottneil Baartman was instrumental in the turnaround, claiming 4 for 33 and removing key batters Andries Gous, Glenn Maxwell and Obus Pienaar in a decisive spell. Shanaka also played a major role with 3 for 44, including the prized wickets of Owen and captain Steven Smith. Jasdeep Singh chipped in with two late wickets, while Harmeet Singh accounted for Chapman as Freedom were bowled out for 216 with two deliveries remaining.

Seattle's response was equally aggressive.

Seifert launched a fierce attack on the Freedom bowling, smashing 78 from just 33 balls. His innings featured seven boundaries and six towering sixes, immediately placing the Orcas ahead of the required rate.


Breetzke provided excellent support, compiling a fluent 66 from 36 deliveries as the pair combined for a match-defining partnership that kept the chase firmly on track.

Just when the Orcas appeared to be cruising, Washington fought back. Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed Seifert, while Ian Holland removed Breetzke shortly afterward. Holland struck again to send Shimron Hetmyer back without scoring, reducing Seattle to 171 for 4 and briefly reigniting Freedom’s hopes.

The momentum shift, however, proved short-lived.

Shanaka counterattacked brilliantly, blasting an unbeaten 36 from only 12 deliveries, including three sixes, to wrest control back in Seattle’s favor. Supported by Ali Sheikh, he guided the Orcas to 219 for 5 in just 17.4 overs to secure an impressive victory.

The match featured dramatic momentum swings in both innings, with explosive batting performances offset by crucial bursts of wickets. While Seifert and Breetzke starred in the chase, Baartman's outstanding four-wicket haul proved equally significant and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Brief Scores: Washington Freedom 216 all out in 20 overs (Mitchell Owen 61, Mark Chapman 57; Ottneil Baartman 4/33, Dasun Shanaka 3/44) lost to Seattle Orcas 219/5 in 17.4 overs (Tim Seifert 78, Matthew Breetzke 66, Dasun Shanaka 36*; Ian Holland 2/20, Saurabh Netravalkar 2/35) by five wickets.