Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Steve Smith struck an unbeaten 110 from 48 balls as Washington Freedom completed the highest successful chase in T20 history during the Major League Cricket Eliminator at Oakland Coliseum on July 15. The six-wicket win over MI New York kept the Ricky Ponting-coached team’s title defence alive.

Chasing 267, Washington Freedom slipped to 2-10 before Steve Smith and Andries Gous added 241 runs from only 89 balls. Washington Freedom reached 270-4 in 18.4 overs, finishing the chase with eight deliveries remaining.

For more cricket news, read about Moises Henriques retiring after the Sydney Sixers contract decision. Tournament results and upcoming matches are available through the official Major League Cricket website.

Steve Smith and Andries Gous Take Control

Steve Smith reached the fastest century of his career from 40 deliveries, finishing with seven fours and nine sixes. Andries Gous hammered 132 from 51 balls, including 10 fours and 12 sixes.

“It was insane striking up the other end. ‘Gousey’ was unbelievable from ball one,” Steve Smith said.

Nicholas Pooran had earlier struck the fastest century in Major League Cricket history from 31 balls. His innings powered MI New York to 266-9, but even that total could not contain Washington Freedom.

Record Chase Keeps Title Defence Alive

The match became the first T20 contest to feature three individual centuries. Andries Gous also became the first domestic player to score a Major League Cricket hundred.

Washington Freedom surpassed the previous chase record set when Punjab Kings pursued 265 against Delhi Capitals during the 2026 Indian Premier League season.

Washington Freedom will next face the San Francisco Unicorns, captained by Matt Short, in the Challenger. The winner will meet the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the Major League Cricket final.