MLC 2026 Opens With Fireworks in the Very First Game
America's flagship T20 competition, Major League Cricket (MLC), kicked off its 2026 season in spectacular fashion. The curtain-raiser brought together Seattle Orcas and Texas Super Kings, and the contest produced boundary-hitting of the highest order right from the first ball, giving fans an immediate taste of what this tournament has in store.
Seifert and Jahangir Construct a 191-Run Opening Partnership
Seattle Orcas chose to bat first and received an extraordinary platform from their opening pair. Tim Seifert and Shayan Jahangir combined to add 191 runs at the top of the order before the first wicket finally fell, completely overwhelming the Texas Super Kings bowling. Shayan Jahangir was the one dismissed, having struck a breathtaking 78 off 47 balls featuring three fours and seven sixes, departing just short of what would have been a well-earned century.
Seifert Reaches His First MLC Hundred
Shortly after his partner's exit, Tim Seifert crossed the three-figure mark to claim the innings' headline moment. He finished with 104 runs off 66 balls, peppering the outfield with eight fours and six sixes. The landmark represents his first century in Major League Cricket. Captain Marcus Stoinis then provided a late burst of power, collecting 13 runs off just 3 balls including two sixes, while Shimron Hetmyer closed out the innings unbeaten on 8 runs. Seattle Orcas wrapped up their 20 overs at a commanding 220 runs.
Texas Super Kings Respond With Rossouw Blitz and du Plessis Composure
Chasing 220, Texas Super Kings were rocked immediately when opener Saiteja Mukkamalla fell off the very first ball without troubling the scorer. Riley Rossouw, coming in at number three, responded with an aggressive counter-attack, plundering 49 runs off just 21 balls with seven fours and two sixes, keeping Texas Super Kings in the hunt. Providing solidity at the other end, captain Faf du Plessis played a measured, controlled innings and went on to complete a half-century.
What Comes Next: Final Scheduled for 18 July
MLC 2026 features six teams competing throughout the season. Daily fixtures are now scheduled from here on. The league phase runs through to 12 July, after which the Eliminator and Qualifier rounds will determine who advances. The season final is set for 18 July. Given the quality of cricket already on display in this opening encounter, the weeks ahead promise to be compelling viewing for fans of the format.
