Monank Patel and Michael Bracewell collaborated to secure MI New York’s inaugural victory in MLC 2025, thereby prolonging the Seattle Orcas’ winless streak to eight matches. The Orcas initially positioned themselves favorably as Kyle Mayers struck 10 sixes in his 46-ball innings of 88, which was subsequently supported by a strong finish from Heinrich Klaasen and Shimron Hetmyer. Nevertheless, the target of 201 was ultimately surpassed with one over remaining, with Bracewell remaining not out in the pursuit.
Big blows knock off Seattle Orcas
The Orcas experienced a challenging beginning, with Bracewell making a significant impact during the powerplay, which included a wicket-maiden. David Warner’s early exit left them struggling at 9/1 after three overs, and Naveen-ul-Haq further hindered their progress by taking a wicket in the final over of the powerplay. However, a six was struck in each of the next five overs, providing a much-needed boost to the run rate.
Despite this, a substantial second half was essential to compensate for the poor start. Mayers delivered just that by aggressively attacking the MINY bowling lineup. While the first six overs yielded only 31 runs, the subsequent six overs saw them triple that score, as Mayers devastated Naveen’s bowling figures with four sixes in a single over. Even after his explosive innings concluded, the Orcas’ pursuit of 200 was supported by Klaasen and Hetmyer, who together scored 48 runs off just 20 balls for a strong finish. Nevertheless, the earlier powerplay ultimately proved to be their undoing.
Monank Patel's furious batting performance
MINY did not have the best of beginnings, as Monank struggled during the powerplay. The team managed to score only 25 runs in the initial overs of a challenging chase, and to complicate matters, Sikandar Raza entered the attack and quickly dismissed Quinton de Kock. At that moment, Monank was batting on 4 runs from 12 balls, but he eventually found his rhythm with a four and a six, concluding the powerplay and igniting his performance.
The wicketkeeper-batter continued to accumulate boundaries during the middle overs to compensate for his slow start, while Bracewell played a supporting role. Monank struck two sixes and a four off Harmeet Singh, who had a difficult outing. Boundaries flowed as Monank began to dominate the Orcas bowling attack, hitting Mayers for a six and then following it up with three fours in an over bowled by Raza. As he approached the 90s with another scoop that sailed over the boundary, there was still considerable work to be done due to Bracewell’s inconsistent innings at the other end.
The Orcas suddenly seized an opportunity when Monank’s explosive innings concluded at 93 runs. With 55 runs required from 24 balls, Nicholas Pooran was bowled by Raza, further hindering MINY’s chances. Kieron Pollard then steadied the situation with a couple of boundaries, reducing the target to 40 runs off 18 balls, before Bracewell finally took control with consecutive sixes. Harmeet’s fielding errors on successive deliveries further benefited the batting side, as Bracewell and Pollard capitalized on the situation, ultimately making a mockery of the chase.
SCORECARD: Seattle Orcas 200/5 in 20 overs (Kyle Mayers 88, Shayan Jahangir 43) lost to MI New York 203/3 in 19 overs (Monank Patel 93, Michael Bracewell 50*; Sikandar Raza 2/37) by 7 wickets
