Australian superstar Steve Smith powered Washington Freedom in a record-breaking T20 run-chase as they overcame defending champions MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 Eliminator match in Oakland on Wednesday night.
Set a record 267-run chase on the back of Nicholas Pooran’s 31-ball century, the fastest in MLC history, Washington skipper Smith and wicket-keeper Andries Gous combined to produce a stunning six-wicket win. Down 10 for two inside three overs, Smith and Gous produced a record third-wicket stand that yielded 241 runs in only 89 balls. Gous was adjudged as the Player Of The Match as he scored 132 off just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes along the way.
In a match that was a repeat of last year’s final where MI had emerged victorious, Smith remained unbeaten on 110 off 48 balls as Washington stormed to the target in only 18.4 overs.
Washington broke the all-time T20 record held by the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Punjab Kings for the highest successful chase in the format. PBKS had gunned down a 265-run target against the Delhi Capitals in Delhi in April this year during the IPL 2026 season, bettering their own record of a 262-run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
During the match in Delhi, DC posted 264 runs on the back of KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 off 67 balls. PBKS were able to chase down the total as Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya scored 116 runs in the powerplay.
The match was finished up as Shreyas Iyer scored 71 off 36 balls and Punjab won with seven balls to spare.
HIGHEST SUCCESSFUL RUN-CHASES IN T20 CRICKET
Washington Freedom – 270/4 (18.4 overs) beat MI New York by 6 wickets on 15 July 2026
Punjab Kings – 265/4 (18.5 overs) beat Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets on 25 April 2026
Punjab Kings – 262/2 (18.4 overs) beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets on 26 April 2024
South Africa – 259/4 (18.5 overs) beat West Indies by 6 wickets on 26 March 2023
Brisbane Heat – 258/2 (19.5 overs) beat Perth Scorchers by 8 wickets on 19 December 2025
