MLC 2026: Dasun Shanaka’s four wickets in four balls helps Seattle Orcas edge past Texas Super Kings in thriller

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Seattle Orcas (SO) pulled off one of the most dramatic victories of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 season, defeating Texas Super Kings (TSK) by nine runs in a low-scoring thriller courtesy of an extraordinary final over from Dasun Shanaka. Defending just 121, the Orcas held their nerve as Shanaka claimed four wickets in four deliveries to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Earlier in the contest, Ottneil Baartman starred with the ball, while Seattle’s bowlers produced a disciplined collective effort to keep Texas under constant pressure throughout the chase.

Chasing 122, Texas Super Kings looked firmly in control entering the final over. They required just 11 runs from the last five deliveries after Shubham Ranjane struck Shanaka for a boundary off the opening ball, while Donovan Ferreira had already shifted the momentum with a four and a six in the previous over. However, Shanaka responded in spectacular fashion. He first deceived Ferreira with a slower delivery that crashed into the stumps before dismissing Calvin Savage on the very next ball as the batter found the fielder at long-on.

With a hat-trick on offer, Adam Milne attempted a desperate big shot but could only edge the ball behind to the wicketkeeper, handing Shanaka his third wicket in as many deliveries. The Sri Lankan all-rounder then completed a remarkable four-in-four by having Amshi de Silva caught brilliantly in the deep by Shimron Hetmyer, sealing an unforgettable victory for Seattle. Shanaka finished with outstanding figures of 4/26, producing one of the finest final overs seen in Major League Cricket.

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Seattle Orcas endured a nightmare start after being put in to bat, slipping to 15/3 as Milne and Wiaan Mulder struck with the new ball. The collapse continued as Marcus Stoinis departed in the 13th over, leaving the Orcas struggling at 70/7. The lower order, however, ensured Seattle posted a competitive total. Cameron Gannon top-scored with 20 runs, while Harmeet Singh, returning after retiring hurt earlier in the innings, played a crucial cameo alongside Jasdeep Singh. Their late boundaries helped Seattle add 14 valuable runs in the final over to finish on 121/9.

Defending the modest target, Baartman produced a sensational spell. The South African pacer dismissed Faf du Plessis and Saiteja Mukkamalla early before removing Mulder to leave Texas reeling at 50/4. He conceded just nine runs in his four overs while picking up three wickets, finishing with exceptional figures of 3/9. Despite Ranjane’s unbeaten 40 keeping Texas in the contest until the final over, Shanaka’s extraordinary spell under pressure ensured Seattle Orcas completed a memorable nine-run victory.

What a win for Seattle Orcas 👏

– Dasun Shanaka's 20th over was just masterclass 🔥#MLC2026 #DasunShanaka

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 6, 2026

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