Washington Freedom complete record 267 chase in historic MLC thriller

AUCKLAND: Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 witnessed one of the greatest T20 matches ever played as Washington Freedom completed the highest successful run chase in the format’s history, hunting down a mammoth target of 267 to eliminate MI New York in a breathtaking Eliminator clash.

The run-fest produced a staggering 51 sixes and another historic first — three different batters scored centuries in the same T20 match.

Batting first, MI New York piled up 266-9 in their 20 overs, powered by a sensational innings from Nicholas Pooran, who blasted 106 off just 33 balls. The explosive left-hander reached his century in only 30 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest hundred in MLC history.

Veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard added to the fireworks with a blistering 64 off 25 balls and reached another remarkable milestone by becoming only the latest player to smash 1,000 sixes in his T20 career. Washington spinner Rachin Ravindra claimed four wickets to prevent the total from climbing even higher.

Washington Freedom’s chase began disastrously, losing two early wickets with just 10 runs on the board. However, Andries Gous and Steve Smith turned the game around with an unforgettable display of power and composure.

The pair stitched together a record-breaking 241-run partnership for the third wicket, the highest stand in MLC history. Both batters completed their centuries in just 40 balls, thrilling fans with fearless stroke play.

Gous finished unbeaten on a magnificent 132 from 51 deliveries, smashing 12 sixes and 10 fours, while also becoming the first American batter to score a century in Major League Cricket. Smith provided perfect support with another superb hundred as Washington dominated the chase.

Washington Freedom eventually reached 267-4 with eight balls to spare, sealing the biggest successful chase in T20 history and booking their place in Eliminator 2, where they will face the San Francisco Unicorns.

The unforgettable contest is already being hailed as one of the greatest T20 matches ever played, showcasing record-breaking batting, fearless hitting, and a thrilling finish that will be remembered for years to come.