Washington Freedom (WF) produced one of the greatest chases ever witnessed in T20 cricket as they defeated MI New York (MINY) by six wickets in the MLC 2026 Eliminator. Chasing a daunting target of 267, Freedom rode on sensational unbeaten centuries from Andries Gous and Steve Smith to script the highest successful run chase in T20 history. Earlier in the evening, Nicholas Pooran had lit up the contest with the fastest century in Major League Cricket history, but his breathtaking knock ultimately ended in a losing cause.

Nicholas Pooran’s blazing century powers MI New York

After being put in to bat, MI New York piled up a mammoth 266/9 in their 20 overs. Quinton de Kock provided a solid platform with a fluent 51 before Pooran completely took control of the innings. The left-hander tore apart the Washington Freedom attack, racing to a stunning century in just 31 deliveries, the fastest hundred in MLC history. He eventually scored 106, while Kieron Pollard produced another explosive cameo, smashing 64 off only 25 balls and becoming just the second player in T20 history to hit 1,000 sixes.

With MI New York cruising at 211/3 after 13 overs, a total close to 300 looked well within reach. However, Rachin Ravindra triggered an impressive comeback with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets across the second half of the innings to restrict the batting side’s momentum. Trent Boult’s late boundaries helped MI New York finish on 266, but Washington Freedom had been given a glimmer of hope.

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Andries Gous and Steve Smith rewrite T20 record books

Washington Freedom’s chase got off to the worst possible start after Shakib Al Hasan removed two batters inside the opening three overs, reducing the side to 10/2. From there, Gous and Smith produced one of the greatest partnerships in T20 history. The duo added a breathtaking 241 runs for the third wicket in just 89 deliveries, completely shifting the momentum in Freedom’s favour.

Gous was the more aggressive of the pair, hammering 132 and becoming the first USA batter to score a century in Major League Cricket. Smith matched him stroke for stroke, remaining unbeaten on 110 as both batters reached their hundreds in just 40 balls. The pair punished every loose delivery and capitalised on several missed opportunities in the field as MI New York failed to break the partnership. By the time Gous departed near the finish, the result was virtually sealed.

Washington Freedom eventually chased down the massive target with eight balls to spare, keeping their MLC 2026 title hopes alive as they now prepare to face San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) for a place in the final. Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), meanwhile, await the winner after booking their spot in the championship clash with victory in Eliminator 2.

Absolute madness! What an extraordinary game we have witnessed. Washington Freedom have produced a run chase for the ages and pulled off one of the most memorable wins in the history of this format. They have chased down a target of 267 in just 18.4 overs 🌟🔥#MLC2026… pic.twitter.com/oemhV88kAn

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 16, 2026

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