Steve Smith century helps Washington Freedom script highest successful run chase in T20 history vs MINY, reach MLC 2026 final

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Steve Smith century helps Washington Freedom script highest successful run chase in T20 history vs MINY, reach MLC 2026 final originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Steve Smith’s 110* off 48 balls powered Washington Freedom to the highest successful chase in men’s T20 history against MI New York.
  • Freedom chased down 267 in just 18.4 overs, with Andries Gous smashing 132 off 51 in a record partnership.
  • Freedom broke Punjab Kings' previous record of 265/5 against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024.
  • Nicholas Pooran’s 106 off 33 and Kieron Pollard’s 64 off 25 had helped MINY post 266/9.
  • The victory sent Washington Freedom into the MLC 2026 final.

MORE:How to watch MLC 2026 live in India, Australia, USA and UK

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Steve Smith leads Washington Freedom to record-breaking MLC 2026 chase

Washington Freedom delivered an unbelievable performance in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 when they chased a huge total set by MI New York and made their way into the finals of the tournament.

Captain Steve Smith led the team on their way to achieving the greatest ever chase in men's T20 cricket, when they beat MI New York who scored 266/9 with eight balls remaining in the game at Oakland Coliseum.

With his unbeaten 110 off 48 balls, Steve Smith became the hero of the match, hitting his fastest ever T20 hundred, thus making the chase look easy despite the challenging total.

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MI New York post 266-run target after Pooran, Pollard fireworks

Losing the toss, MI New York delivered an impressive performance with the bat to put pressure on Freedom.

Nicholas Pooran shined out with his century, making 106 runs in just 33 balls to make one of the fastest centuries in MLC.

Kieron Pollard added more impetus with his 64 off 25 deliveries, enabling MI New York to score 266/9 from their allotted 20 overs.

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Steve Smith and Andries Gous rewrite T20 record books

Australian batter Steve Smith hammered 110* in 48 balls, striking nine sixes along the way, to notch up the fastest century of his T20 career. 

On the other hand, Andries Gous was as destructive as ever, blasting 132 off 51 balls. Together, the pair managed to score a record partnership of 231 runs in order to change the complexion of the match completely.

Their contribution meant that Washington scored 270/4 in just 18.4 overs, thereby breaking the Punjab Kings' chase of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024.

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Washington Freedom reach MLC 2026 final after historic comeback

This was just one of those moments that showcased just how well Washington Freedom were able to turn around their fortunes in terms of securing the championship. The aggressive batting by Smith ensured that the target that had seemed unattainable became more than possible.

It showed once again how good the standard of Major League Cricket has become in recent times. After MI New York made batting history and threatened to end the season of Washington, Freedom replied back with a chase that would be remembered forever.

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