Main League Cricket (MLC) 2026 continued to ship high-scoring thrillers as Seattle Orcas pulled off a outstanding five-wicket victory over Washington Freedom at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. Chasing a frightening goal of 217, the Orcas rode on a panoramic innings from Tim Seifert and crossed the end line with 14 balls to spare.
Whereas Seifert dominated the headlines with one other explosive knock, it was Washington Freedom batter Mark Chapman who produced one of many standout fielding moments of the event with an impressive relay catch close to the boundary ropes.
Mark Chapman pulls off a spectacular catch to dismiss Tim Seifert
The beautiful second arrived on the ultimate ball of the eleventh over with Seattle firmly accountable for the chase. Saurabh Netravalkar delivered a fuller ball on the pads and Seifert tried one other highly effective heave in the direction of deep mid-wicket. Nonetheless, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter did not get the specified connection and the ball travelled excessive in the direction of Chapman stationed close to the boundary. Realising his momentum would carry him past the ropes after finishing the catch, Chapman displayed distinctive consciousness and athleticism.
He initially grabbed the ball cleanly earlier than flicking it again into the sphere of play simply earlier than stepping over the boundary cushions. Chapman then shortly re-entered the sphere and accomplished the catch safely, bringing an finish to Seifert’s damaging innings. The spectacular effort instantly caught the eye of gamers and commentators alike, with many praising Chapman’s composure and presence of thoughts beneath stress. Seifert finally departed for an impressive 78 off simply 33 deliveries, an innings adorned with seven fours and 6 towering sixes.
Right here’s the video:
UNBELIEVABLE CATCH FROM MARK CHAPMAN.
Tim Seifert could not imagine on his luck as caught on boundary ropes by Chapman.👀 pic.twitter.com/gKga2SllD9
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) June 20, 2026
Additionally READ: MLC 2026: Fans erupt as Tim Seifert powers Seattle Orcas to stunning chase against Washington Freedom
Seattle Orcas full a surprising chase in opposition to Washington Freedom
Earlier within the night, Washington Freedom piled up an imposing 216 after being requested to bat. Mitchell Owen supplied a flying begin with 61 off 25 balls earlier than Chapman and Andries Gous stored the momentum going via the center overs. Chapman smashed 57 from solely 24 deliveries, whereas Gous added a brisk 35. At one stage, Freedom appeared set for a complete properly past 240 earlier than Ottneil Baartman’s good spell turned the innings round. The South African pacer struck essential blows within the loss of life overs and completed with excellent figures of 4 for 33.
Regardless of Freedom’s robust complete, Seattle responded aggressively from the outset. Seifert and Matthew Breetzke dismantled the bowling assault with an 89-run partnership off simply 46 balls after the early dismissal of Shayan Jahangir. Breetzke performed an outstanding supporting position with 66 off 36 deliveries, guaranteeing the required run charge by no means grew to become a difficulty.
Though Freedom managed a short comeback by eradicating Seifert, Breetzke and a few middle-order batters in fast succession, Dasun Shanaka slammed an unbeaten 36 off simply 12 balls to seal the chase in emphatic style. The victory marked one other profitable chase within the early phases of MLC 2026 and underlined Seattle Orcas’ batting firepower as they continued their spectacular begin to the event.
Additionally READ: RCB CEO shares major update on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise
