Washington Freedom vs MI New York: Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 witnessed history being made as Washington Freedom successfully chased down a target of 267 runs in the Eliminator. Andries Gous and Steven Smith scored centuries during the chase, sharing a mammoth 241-run stand for the third wicket to seal the win for their team. Earlier in the game, Nicholas Pooran had smashed a 31-ball century in the first innings, but ended up on the losing side as MI New York was eliminated after losing by six wickets.
Washington Freedom complete highest chase in T20 cricket history
Top five T20 chases:
- Washington Freedom: 270/4 in 18.4 overs vs MI New York, Oakland Coliseum (16th July, 2026)
- Punjab Kings: 265/4 in 18.5 overs vs Delhi Capitals, Arun Jaitley Stadium (25th April, 2026)
- Punjab Kings: 262/2 in 18.4 overs vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Eden Gardens (26th April, 2024)
- South Africa: 259/4 in 18.5 overs vs West Indies, SuperSport Park, Centurion (26th March, 2023)
- Brisbane Heat: 258/2 in 19.5 overs vs Perth Scorchers, Brisbane Cricket Ground (19th December, 2025)
Washington Freedom created history by completing the highest chase in the history of T20. Chasing 267, the Washington-based side scored 270 runs in the second innings to win the Eliminator in MLC 2026. Powered by centuries from Steve Smith and Andries Gous, WAF broke the record previously held by Punjab Kings from the Indian Premier League (IPL).Â
Steve Smith and Andries Gous star in record-breaking win for Washington Freedom
In the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 Eliminator match in Oakland on Wednesday night, Washington Freedom defeated reigning champions MI New York thanks to a record-breaking T20 run chase led by Australian sensation Steve Smith.
Following Nicholas Pooran’s 31-ball century, the quickest in MLC history, Washington captain Smith and wicketkeeper Andries Gous put together an incredible six-wicket victory, setting a record 267-run chase. Smith and Gous created a record third-wicket partnership that delivered 241 runs in just 89 balls after falling down 10 for two in just three overs.
