The Washington Freedom cemented their spot in T20 cricket history by achieving the highest successful run chase in Eliminator 1 of the 2026 Major League Cricket season. The capital city team beat MI New York by chasing down 267 with eight balls left, breaking the previous Indian Premier League (IPL) record set by the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
MI New York had a fantastic batting outburst in the first inning, scoring 266 thanks to a 33-ball 106 from Nicholas Pooran, who batted at 321.21 and smashed 13 sixes.
In what seemed to be a winning total in most T20 matches, Washington Freedom had different ideas. They had a terrible start, losing two wickets for just ten runs in the opening six overs. However, both skipper Steve Smith and Andries Gous changed the course of the match.
Gous scored 132 and Smith scored 110 not out, both of which were hundreds. The run chase was revived by the US international, who struck at 258.82 and pounded 10 fours and 12 sixes along the way. Smith, on the other hand, scored his first MLC century and went undefeated on 110.
Gous and Smith put together a third wicket combination worth 241 runs from just 89 balls to salvage the Washington Freedom from certain defeat and complete the best run chase in the game’s shortest format.
The PBKS’s previous record was surpassed by the Washington Freedom during the 2026 IPL season. With seven balls left, the two-time finalists upset the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium by chasing down 265 runs.
Notably, the Washington Freedom vs. MI New York match set a record for a single Twenty20 encounter with 51 sixes hit.
The 2024 victors will now play the San Francisco Unicorns in Eliminator 2 to advance to the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC 2026 final on Saturday, July 18.
Captain Steve Smith of the Washington Freedom:
“Andries Gous felt like he didn’t miss the middle of the bat the entire night after coming out on ball one. And everything continued to fly over the rope. Up there, I had the greatest seat in the house. Indeed, it was a fantastic victory. Of course, 260 is pursuing that. Many things must go well. It’s clear that we had a somewhat uncertain beginning. The ball suddenly began to strike the center of each of our bats. Fortunately, they continued to go over the rope.
We also gave ourselves a shot at the back end and made an effort to maintain a rate of about 14, knowing that you’re headed in the right direction if you get two nice hits per over. Thus, it worked out well. [On the team’s message during the innings break] No, you simply need to go out and play and have faith in the boys. Not much was spoken. Just go out and play the game; like I mentioned, a lot needs to go well. Luckily, we managed to strike the middle of the bat sufficiently this evening. I believe it set a record for the most sixes in a cricket match.
Yes, balls are flying everywhere. It began to skid on a little more after becoming a little wet at the back end, which resulted in some dew. The chase was enjoyable. [How will this evening stick in your memory?] It was quite unique. Obviously, it was a fantastic partnership. And chasing 260 at any moment is a unique accomplishment. We’ll take it all in tonight, return for another big game tomorrow, and hopefully put on another show.”
Player of the Match, Andries Gous:
It’s simply the faith that Ricky, Hopsey, and everyone else have in one another. [Did the 96 in the previous game serve as additional motivation to score these runs tonight?] 100%, personally, I would have wanted to be the first guy from USA to get a 100. In sports, the belief they have in me and this entire team is just incredibly wonderful. If you can accomplish that, chasing 260 is usually exceptional.
Thus, I believe it’s an incredible game for all of us. [When did you think you had a chance to win this?] The rate simply remained at 14 by over 7 or 8, and the wicket began to slide a little. I told Smudge that we might be in, and he responded, “We’re definitely in it, absolutely,” so I’m delighted about that.”
