Tajinder Singh and Kieron Pollard power MI New York to dramatic win over Seattle Orcas

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The race for the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 playoffs produced another thrilling contest as MI New York (MINY) pulled off a stunning 17-run victory over Seattle Orcas (SO). After recovering from a top-order collapse to post 179/8, MINY produced an outstanding bowling display at the death to snatch victory from a position where the Orcas looked certain to complete the chase. The win lifted MI New York to 10 points from nine matches, strengthening their chances of reaching the playoffs.

Asked to bat first, MI New York endured a nightmare start as Seattle captain Marcus Stoinis ripped through the batting order with the new ball. The Australian all-rounder reduced MINY to 73/5 in the 12th over, putting his side firmly in control of the contest.

However, Tajinder Singh and Kieron Pollard completely changed the complexion of the innings with a breathtaking 80-run partnership for the sixth wicket in just 41 deliveries. Pollard hammered a fluent 54 off 33 balls before becoming Stoinis’ fourth victim in the penultimate over.

Stoinis completed a memorable five-wicket haul by dismissing Romario Shepherd three balls later, but Tajinder ensured MI New York finished on a high. The left-hander unleashed a stunning assault in the final over, smashing two fours and two sixes against Dasun Shanaka to remain unbeaten on a sensational 66 off just 27 balls as MINY finished with 179/8 after scoring 97 runs in the final seven overs.

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Seattle Orcas looked destined for victory for much of their chase. Tim Seifert anchored the innings brilliantly with 88 off 61 deliveries, while Matthew Breetzke contributed 44 from 31 balls as the pair added 117 runs for the second wicket. At 144/1 in the 16th over, the Orcas required only 36 runs from 26 deliveries with nine wickets in hand, leaving MI New York staring at defeat.

The momentum shifted dramatically when Pollard dismissed Breetzke, opening the door for MINY’s bowlers. Shepherd then produced a sensational spell at the death, conceding just one run in the 17th over and three runs in the 19th, piling pressure on the chasing side.

Seifert, who had reached 75 from 49 balls, could only add 13 runs from his final 12 deliveries before falling on the last ball of the 19th over. Pollard then sealed the contest with a composed final over, conceding only four runs while dismissing Ali Sheikh as Seattle collapsed from 144/1 to 162/6, handing MI New York a memorable 17-run victory.

Brilliant comeback from MI New York bowlers in the last 5 overs and Orcas failed to chase the target at the end 👏#MLC2026 #MINewYork

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 11, 2026

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