MLC Eliminator Records Galore! Washington Freedom's Epic 267 Chase Stuns MI New York
Washington Freedom achieved what was arguably one of the best-run chases in T20 cricket as they beat MI New York by six wickets at the Oakland Coliseum in the MLC 2026 Eliminator on Tuesday.
Running down a huge target of 267, Washington Freedom scored an incredible 270/4 in 18.4 overs to produce the highest successful run chase in T20 history. The win ended MLC on a high note while MI New York was eliminated.
Their score of 266/9 appeared to be enough for MI New York to win, with Nicholas Pooran hitting 106 off only 33 balls, Kieron Pollard smashing 64 from 25 balls and Quinton de Kock scoring 51. However, the Freedom had other ideas.
Steve Smith and Andries Gous dominate record chase
Mitchell Owen was dismissed in the first over of Washington Freedom's innings, but captain Steve Smith and wicket-keeper batter Andries Gous turned things around.
Smith had not lost his nerve en route to 110 not out off 48 balls, including seven fours and nine sixes. Gous was even more destructive as he plundered an incredible 132 in only 51 balls, including 10 fours and 12 sixes. They combined for a 241-run stand, which completely derailed MI New York and set the record for the highest partnership in franchise T20 cricket.
Glenn Maxwell sealed the victory with a six as Washington crossed the finishing line with just 8 balls to spare.
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Historic night filled with records
The Eliminator became one of the most record-filled T20 matches on record, with a host of longstanding records being broken.
Records set during Washington Freedom vs MI New York:
- World record for the highest successful run chase in T20: Washington Freedom target of 270/4 defeated MI New York.
- The First T20 match to see three centurions, with Nicholas Pooran (106), Steve Smith (110*) and Andries Gous (132).