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    MLC 2026: Fans erupt as Tim Seifert powers Seattle Orcas to stunning chase against Washington Freedom

    News DeskBy No Comments4 Mins Read
    MLC 2026: Fans erupt as Tim Seifert powers Seattle Orcas to stunning chase against Washington Freedom

    Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 continued to deliver high-scoring thrillers as Seattle Orcas pulled off a sensational chase to defeat Washington Freedom by five wickets at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. In a contest featuring over 430 runs, four half-centuries, and countless momentum swings, it was the Orcas who held their nerve to chase down a daunting target of 217 with 14 balls to spare.

    After Washington Freedom appeared destined for a score well in excess of 250, a dramatic collapse triggered by Ottneil Baartman changed the complexion of the game. The South African pacer produced a devastating spell at the death before Seattle’s batters completed one of the most impressive run chases of the season.

    Tim Seifert and Matthew Breetzke launch brutal assault in record chase

    Asked to chase 217, Seattle Orcas came out with aggressive intent from the very first over. Shayan Jahangir provided a quick start with 17 runs from just nine deliveries before Tim Seifert completely took control of proceedings. The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter produced one of the innings of the tournament, smashing 78 runs from only 33 balls. Seifert dismantled the Freedom bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, racing to his half-century in breathtaking fashion. His fearless approach immediately put the pressure back on the opposition.

    Seifert found excellent support from Matthew Breetzke, who continued the assault with a superb 66 off 36 deliveries. Together, the duo stitched a match-defining 89-run partnership in just 46 balls, taking Seattle to 141 before Seifert finally departed at the end of the 11th over. Washington briefly sensed an opportunity after quick wickets of Breetzke, Shimron Hetmyer and Tim Robinson reduced Seattle’s momentum. However, Dasun Shanaka ensured there would be no late drama. The Sri Lankan all-rounder played a blistering unbeaten knock of 36 from only 12 balls, finishing the chase in style and guiding the Orcas home with more than two overs remaining.

    Ottneil Baartman’s devastating spell derails Washington Freedom

    Earlier in the evening, Washington Freedom looked on course for a mammoth total after Mitchell Owen, Mark Chapman and Andries Gous dominated the middle overs. Owen set the tone with a rapid 61 off 25 balls, while Chapman blasted 57 and Gous added a quickfire 35. At 175/2 after 14 overs, Freedom appeared destined for a total approaching 270. That was when Baartman produced the spell that changed the match.

    The pacer struck twice in the 15th over, removing Gous and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries. Chapman fell shortly after, before Baartman returned to dismiss Obus Pienaar and Marco Jansen during another outstanding over. From a commanding position, Freedom lost five wickets in quick succession and managed only 31 runs in the final four overs.

    Baartman finished with outstanding figures of 4/33, while Shanaka and Jasdeep Singh chipped in with three and two wickets respectively. The dramatic collapse ultimately proved costly as Seattle Orcas completed one of the highest successful chases in MLC history, leaving fans stunned and social media buzzing with reactions.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    https://twiiter.com/Maina_Singhx77/status/2068192845593493895



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