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Match 28 of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 sees a must-win clash for Seattle Orcas as they face off against already-qualified Texas Super Kings at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill. With only one spot remaining for the playoffs, the pressure is on the Orcas to win and hope for other results to go their way. Having lost their last game to Washington Freedom by 8 wickets, the Orcas’ batting unit crumbled under pressure. In contrast, Texas comes into this match with playoff qualification already secured despite a narrow 1-run loss to San Francisco Unicorns. The Super Kings have won both previous encounters between these teams, including a massive 93-run victory earlier in the season.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Seattle Orcas vs Texas Super Kings (Match 28) |
| Date & Time | July 13, 2025 |
| Venue | Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida |
| Format | T20 |
| Live Streaming | ESPNcricinfo, Willow TV |
Team Previews
Seattle Orcas Preview
The Seattle Orcas came into this match after a shocking batting collapse against Washington Freedom, where they were bowled out for just 60 runs in 13.5 overs. This was a setback after three consecutive wins that revived their playoff hopes. Sikandar Raza’s men will look to bounce back quickly as this is now a do-or-die encounter. Steven Taylor and Shayan Jahangir are expected to provide a stable start, while Kyle Mayers needs to anchor the innings in the middle order. Heinrich Klaasen and Shimron Hetmyer offer explosive power in the lower middle order, but consistency has been an issue.
Their bowling attack remains their strength. Harmeet Singh and Gerald Coetzee can trouble batters with pace early on, while Waqar Salamkheil and Jasdeep Singh offer control in the death overs. Raza himself brings leadership and experience to the side. However, the team must overcome mental barriers and deliver a disciplined performance to stand any chance of progressing.
Texas Super Kings Preview
Faf du Plessis-led Texas Super Kings have had a solid campaign so far, securing a playoff berth despite a heart-breaking 1-run loss to San Francisco Unicorns in their last match. They have also dominated Seattle Orcas in recent meetings, winning both encounters comfortably. Faf du Plessis and Smit Patel form a reliable opening pair, setting the tone for the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Saiteja Mukkamalla, and Shubham Ranjane to build upon.
Stoinis has been a consistent performer, contributing with both bat and ball. Shubham Ranjane has impressed with his finishing skills, while Donovan Ferreira and Calvin Savage add depth. On the bowling front, Akeal Hosein and Nandre Burger lead the charge with the new ball, supported by Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Mohsin in the middle overs. With confidence high and nothing to lose, Texas will aim to finish the league phase on a high note.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Texas Super Kings | Texas Super Kings have a dominant head-to-head record over Seattle Orcas, having won both previous meetings. Their batting lineup is more balanced and experienced, especially against pace-heavy conditions. The Orcas’ batting struggles make them vulnerable, and Texas has shown consistency throughout the tournament. Even though the Orcas need this win desperately, the Super Kings’ superior form and mental edge give them the advantage. |
Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Lineup)
| Player | Position | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faf du Plessis | Opening Batsman | TSK | Consistent opener; leads from the front |
| Smit Patel | Wicket-Keeper | TSK | Reliable batter + keeper |
| Saiteja Mukkamalla | Middle Order Batter | TSK | Valuable contributor with good strike rate |
| Marcus Stoinis (VC) | All-Rounder | TSK | Big-hitter with valuable wickets |
| Kyle Mayers | All-Rounder | SOR | Can change the game with bat or ball |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Batter | SOR | Explosive finisher |
| Shubham Ranjane | Batter | TSK | Hard-hitting finisher; scores quickly |
| Akeal Hosein | Bowler | TSK | Key spinner; takes early wickets |
| Harmeet Singh | Bowler | SOR | Express pace and swing |
| Gerald Coetzee | Bowler | SOR | Fast bowler with accuracy |
| Sikandar Raza (C) | Captain | SOR | Experienced leader; handy lower-order batsman |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI combines top performers from both teams. Faf du Plessis and Smit Patel offer stability at the top. Saiteja Mukkamalla and Marcus Stoinis bring all-round value. Kyle Mayers and Heinrich Klaasen are crucial for late-innings fireworks. Shubham Ranjane adds finishing power. Akeal Hosein and Harmeet Singh are key wicket-taking threats. Gerald Coetzee provides raw pace, while Sikandar Raza offers leadership and multiplier points.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Position | Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Sikandar Raza | Experienced captain; potential all-round impact |
| Vice-Captain | Marcus Stoinis | Game-changing ability with both bat and ball |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Players | Reason |
|---|---|
| Steven Taylor | Struggling for form; inconsistent performances |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Inconsistent striker; hasn’t fired recently |
Team Squads
Seattle Orcas Squad
Sikandar Raza (c), Shayan Jahangir (wk), Steven Taylor, Kyle Mayers, Aaron Jones, Heinrich Klaasen, Shimron Hetmyer, Gerald Coetzee, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Waqar Salamkheil
Texas Super Kings Squad
Faf du Plessis (c), Smit Patel (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Marcus Stoinis, Shubham Ranjane, Donovan Ferreira, Calvin Savage, Mohammad Mohsin, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Nandre Burger
Probable Playing XI
| Seattle Orcas | Texas Super Kings |
|---|---|
| Sikandar Raza (c) | Faf du Plessis (c) |
| Shayan Jahangir (wk) | Smit Patel (wk) |
| Steven Taylor | Smit Patel |
| Kyle Mayers | Saiteja Mukkamalla |
| Aaron Jones | Marcus Stoinis |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Shubham Ranjane |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Donovan Ferreira |
| Gerald Coetzee | Calvin Savage |
| Harmeet Singh | Akeal Hosein |
| Jasdeep Singh | Noor Ahmad |
| Waqar Salamkheil | Nandre Burger |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Central Broward Regional Park assists fast bowlers early on, making it tough for openers. Spinners come into play later, and dew may aid chasers in the second innings. The average first-innings score is around 163, but 180+ is considered a strong total here.
Toss Prediction
Given the challenging batting conditions and possible rain interruptions, the toss winner is likely to opt to bowl first , hoping to chase under DLS rules if needed.
Winner Prediction
Despite Seattle Orcas needing this win badly, Texas Super Kings hold the psychological edge with two dominant victories over them this season. Their batting depth, combined with a balanced bowling attack, makes them favorites. Unless the Orcas deliver a near-perfect performance, the Super Kings are expected to wrap up the game comfortably.
Texas Super Kings to win.
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