The Texas Super Kings (TSK) delivered a dominant performance in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 as they routed the Seattle Orcas by a massive 93-run margin to secure their third win on the trot. The match, played in Oakland on a pitch with unpredictable bounce, saw the Orcas collapse spectacularly to just 60 runs while chasing a modest target of 154. The defeat marked the second consecutive loss for the Seattle-based franchise.
Bowling brilliance from TSK’s pace and spin attack played a pivotal role in the outcome. Zia-ul-Haq, Nandre Burger, and Noor Ahmad each picked up three wickets to dismantle the Orcas’ batting line-up in just 13.5 overs. Burger finished with 3 for 10, Zia with 3 for 16, and Noor Ahmad with 3 for 18 in what was an all-round bowling demolition.
Orcas Crumble Under Pressure
Seattle Orcas, who were expected to comfortably chase the 154-run target, were stunned right from the start. Their openers, Kyle Mayers and David Warner, who had been in good touch earlier in the tournament, failed to get going. Mayers was the first to fall, miscuing a short ball from Burger to cover point. Warner followed shortly after, dismissed off the bowling of Zia-ul-Haq thanks to a spectacular diving catch by TSK skipper Faf du Plessis at cover. From 0 for 1 to 5 for 21 in five overs, the Orcas had already lost the plot.
Steven Taylor was the next to go, mistiming a shot off Burger. However, the defining moment of the collapse came in the fifth over when Zia delivered a deadly double blow — first yorking Orcas captain Heinrich Klaasen for a golden duck, and then dismissing the experienced Sikandar Raza with a sharp short ball that induced a faint edge behind.
At 21 for 5, the chase was virtually over. Left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad added to the misery, trapping Sujit Nayak and Harmeet Singh lbw off consecutive deliveries, and was on a hat-trick. Although Jasdeep Singh denied him the milestone by surviving a full toss, Noor would still return to dismiss Aaron Jones — the only batter to reach double digits with 17 — with a soft catch. Burger later returned to clean up the tail, sealing a sensational victory for the Super Kings.
TSK’s Balanced Batting Effort Sets Competitive Total
Earlier in the day, the Texas Super Kings elected to bat first and posted 153 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Though the start was a bit sluggish, a few quick cameos ensured a competitive total.
The opening partnership between Faf du Plessis and Devon Conway yielded just 22 runs before both batters fell in the same over to Obed McCoy. Du Plessis was undone by a short ball that took his glove, while Conway was trapped lbw just three balls later.
It was Saiteja Mukkamalla who steadied the innings with a composed knock of 30, helping push the run rate past six. Then came Marcus Stoinis, who injected life into the innings with a blazing 28 off just 12 balls, including four towering sixes that took the team beyond the 100-run mark.
Despite a minor setback with quick wickets of Stoinis, Daryl Mitchell, and Calvin Savage, which reduced them to 122 for 6, TSK managed to finish strongly. Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane added an unbroken 31-run partnership off 15 deliveries, propelling the total past 150.
Unbeaten Streak Continues for Texas Super Kings
The win extends Texas Super Kings’ unbeaten run in MLC 2025 to three games, putting them firmly at the top of the standings and building strong momentum in the tournament. Their bowling unit, especially Zia-ul-Haq, Burger, and Noor Ahmad, continues to pose serious problems for opposition batters. Noor’s success in the IPL seems to have translated smoothly into the MLC, as he continues to be a wicket-taking force in the middle overs.
For the Seattle Orcas, on the other hand, it’s back to the drawing board. After a positive start to their campaign, back-to-back losses have dented their morale and exposed frailties in their batting order. The top order, once seen as a strength, now appears vulnerable under pressure, especially on trickier pitches.
With the tournament heating up, both teams will be looking to either sustain or regain momentum. Texas will aim to continue their winning streak, while the Orcas must regroup quickly if they are to remain playoff contenders.
Match Summary:
Texas Super Kings 153 for 6 (Mukkamalla 30, Stoinis 28, Harmeet 2-24, Jasdeep 2-34)
Seattle Orcas 60 all out in 13.5 overs (Jones 17, Burger 3-10, Zia 3-16, Noor 3-18)
Result: Texas Super Kings won by 93 runs.
