Washington Freedom (WF) They chased down one of the biggest defeats ever in T20 cricket Mi New York (Mini) by six wickets in mlc 2026 eliminator. Chasing a tough target of 267 runs, Freedom performed brilliantly with the help of sensational unbeaten centuries Andries Gus And steve smith For scripting the most successful run chase in T20 history. Earlier in the evening, nicholas puran He set the contest on fire with the fastest century in Major League Cricket history, but his breathtaking innings ultimately ended in defeat.
MI New York gets a boost from Nicholas Pooran’s explosive century
After being invited to bat, MI New York made a huge score of 266/9 in 20 overs. quinton de kock Pooran provided a solid platform with a fluent 51 before completely controlling the innings. This left-handed batsman destroyed the Washington Freedom attack and scored a brilliant century in just 31 balls, which is the fastest century in MLC history. He eventually scored 106 runs Kieron Pollard Delivered another explosive cameo, scoring 64 runs off just 25 balls and becoming the second player in T20 history to hit 1,000 sixes.
MI New York were at 211/3 after 13 overs, looking close to reaching the total of 300. However, Rachin Ravindra Made impressive returns with the ball and limited the pace of the batting team by taking four important wickets in the second half of the innings. Trent Boult’s Late boundaries helped MI New York finish at 266, but Washington Freedom were given a glimmer of hope.
Andries Gaus and Steve Smith rewrite the T20 record books
Washington Freedom had the worst start in chasing the target shakib al hassan Removed two batsmen within the first three overs, taking the team’s score to 10/2. From there, Goss and Smith formed one of the greatest partnerships in T20 history. The duo put together a brilliant partnership of 241 runs in just 89 balls for the third wicket, swinging the momentum completely in Freedom’s favour.
Gaus was the more aggressive of the pair, scoring 132 and becoming the first USA batsman to score a century in Major League Cricket. Smith remained unbeaten on 110, matching the stroke for stroke, and both batsmen completed their centuries in just 40 balls. The pair punished every loose delivery and capitalized on several missed opportunities in the field as MI failed to break the New York partnership. By the time Gaus approached the finale, the outcome was almost sealed.
Washington Freedom eventually chased down the mammoth target with eight balls to spare, keeping their MLC 2026 title hopes alive as they now look to face the MLC. San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) To make it to the finals. Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR)Meanwhile, they are waiting for the winner after sealing their place in the championship match with the win in Eliminator 2.
Absolutely crazy! What an extraordinary game we have witnessed. Washington Freedom have produced a run chase for the ages and have achieved one of the most memorable wins in the history of this format. They achieved the target of 267 runs in just 18.4 overs.#MLC2026… pic.twitter.com/oemhV88kAn
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 16 July 2026
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