3 reasons why Seattle Orcas are struggling in MLC 2024
Last year's runners-up Seattle Orcas have started on a disappointing note in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024. They have secured a solitary victory in four games and are languishing at the bottom of the points table.
The Heinrich Klaasen-led side began the tournament with a six-wicket loss against MI New York, as they failed to defend their paltry total of 108. They then sealed the chase of 169 against the Los Angeles Knight Riders.
The third game witnessed them getting bundled out for 124 against Washington Freedom, who completed the chase in the penultimate over. In their latest outing against San Francisco Unicorns, the Orcas fell short by 23 runs in a chase of 166.
On that note, let's take a look at three reasons why the Orcas are struggling to get going in the MLC 2024.
#1 Inconsistency of Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen
The most experienced batters in the Orcas line-up, keeper Quinton de Kock and skipper Heinrich Klaasen have been hot and cold with their performances.
Quinton has garnered 82 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 102.50. His only notable performance came against Knight Riders, where he remained unbeaten on 51 off 46 balls.
Meanwhile, Klaasen has only scored 62 runs in four appearances at a dismal average of 20.66 and a strike rate of 140.90. Apart from his 51-run knock off 30 balls against Freedom, the right-handed batter has failed to provide an impact on the team's score.
If the Orcas have to remain in contention for the semi-final spot, these two Proteas batters need to fire in unison.
#2 Lack of contributions from middle-order
The Orcas' middle order has been tested in three of the four games and have failed, resulting in the team losing games. As per the scorecards, the players arriving to the crease from No. 4 to No. 7 positions have scored only 164 out of 374 total runs scored by the team in three games.
This is just 44 percent of the total runs, which should be higher if the team wants to post a strong total or chase down stiff scores. Moreover, only a single player per game has managed to convert their starts to substantial knocks, which is a worrying sign for the franchise.
Furthermore, there has been continuous change in the batting order, which has hampered the team's chances of getting an upper hand in the game. The likes of Imad Wasim, Aaron Jones, Shubham Ranjane and Hammad Azam have failed to produce goods for the team.
#3 Absence of Imad Wasim's all-round contribution
Imad Wasim, who is looked up to as a utility all-rounder, is yet to rise to the occasion so far this tournament. He has scored only 16 runs at an average of 3.50 and picked up only three wickets at an average of 30.33 and an economy of 7.
Wasim's best figures of 2/28 off four overs came against San Francisco Unicorns. Other than that, he has been unable to secure breakthroughs for the side.
The Orcas definitely need a boost in the batting department, as they are yet to secure significant contributions from the middle order. The experienced all-rounder will certainly play a key role in providing a flourish to the team in the death overs.