Seattle Orcas (SO) produced a spirited display in Match 22 of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 against Texas Super Kings (TSK), with their bowlers making an immediate impact while defending a below-par total of 121. After posting just 121/9 in 20 overs, the Orcas desperately needed early breakthroughs, and Ottneil Baartman delivered exactly that with a superb opening spell.
The South African pacer dismissed both Texas Super Kings openers inside the Powerplay, but it was Cameron Gannon’s outstanding effort in the field that stole the spotlight and quickly made rounds on social media.
Cameron Gannon pulls off a stunning diving catch
The moment came on the final ball of the third over with Baartman bowling to Saiteja Mukkamalla. Bowling a hard-length delivery, Baartman forced the right-hander into an ambitious pull shot. Mukkamalla failed to middle the ball as the bottom hand came off the bat during the stroke.
The mistimed shot ballooned towards short midwicket, where Gannon reacted instantly. Charging in from his position, Gannon timed his dive to perfection and completed a superb low catch just inches above the turf. Baartman celebrated immediately as Mukkamalla departed for six off eight deliveries, giving Seattle Orcas their second wicket inside three overs and putting Texas Super Kings under early pressure.
Here’s the video:
Gannon gets his revenge on Mukkamalla 🤝 pic.twitter.com/w5k4PLPvx1
— Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 5, 2026
Seattle Orcas defend 121 in thrilling finish
Although Seattle Orcas managed only 121/9 after suffering a dramatic batting collapse, their bowlers responded brilliantly to script a memorable nine-run victory. Baartman finished with sensational figures of 3/9 from his four overs, removing Faf du Plessis, Mukkamalla and Wiaan Mulder to leave Texas Super Kings struggling throughout the chase.
The drama reached another level in the final over when Dasun Shanaka produced one of the most remarkable spells in MLC history. Defending 11 runs, the Sri Lankan all-rounder dismissed Donovan Ferreira, Calvin Savage, Adam Milne and Amshi de Silva off four consecutive deliveries to complete four wickets in four balls and seal an extraordinary victory for Seattle Orcas. Despite Shubham Ranjane’s unbeaten 40, TSK finished on 112/9, falling nine runs short as Seattle’s disciplined bowling effort proved decisive in one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters.
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