Seattle Orcas' rollercoaster ride: From runners-up to rock bottom in two MLC seasons
Seattle Orcas
Seattle Orcas have experienced the full spectrum of fortunes in Major League Cricket (MLC), going from topping the table and reaching the final in the inaugural 2023 season to finishing at the bottom in 2024.
The dramatic rise and fall over two seasons highlight the unpredictability of the league.
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2023: Dream debut ends in final heartbreak
The Orcas made a flying start to their MLC journey in 2023, emerging as the most consistent team in the league stage. They opened their campaign with a 5-wicket win over Washington Freedom and followed it up with a 35-run victory against San Francisco Unicorns.
Their dominance continued with a commanding 8-wicket win over Texas Super Kings, giving them a hat-trick of wins.
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Their only hiccup came against LA Knight Riders, who edged them out by two wickets. But the Orcas bounced back by defeating MI New York in their final league match to finish as table-toppers with four wins from five matches.
In the playoffs, they overwhelmed Texas Super Kings again, this time by 9 wickets in the Qualifier, storming into the final as favourites. However, their title hopes were crushed by a record-breaking 137* from
Nicholas Pooran
as MI New York claimed the trophy.
Quinton de Kock
(264 runs) and
Heinrich Klaasen
(235 runs) led the batting charge, while Cameron Gannon and Andrew Tye (11 wickets each) and Imad Wasim (10 wickets) powered the bowling unit.
More Than a Team: The Rise of CSK & the Whistle Podu Army
2024: From contenders to bottom-dwellers
The 2024 season was a stark contrast. Orcas failed to replicate their previous form, finishing with just one win in seven matches.
They began with a 6-wicket defeat to MI New York but bounced back briefly with a 9-wicket win over LA Knight Riders — their only success of the campaign.
A string of five consecutive losses followed: to Washington Freedom, San Francisco Unicorns (twice), LA Knight Riders, and Texas Super Kings. With a 1-6 record, they finished last on the points table.
From league leaders and finalists to wooden spoon holders, the Orcas' fall has been steep and swift, leaving them with major rebuilding to do ahead of the 2025 season.
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