Washington Freedom Complete Record 267 Chase as Gous, Smith Sink MINY

By Kartik Sharma | Data Analyst & Reporter

A target of 267 had never been chased successfully in men's T20 cricket before. Washington Freedom did exactly that, defeating MI New York by five wickets at Oakland Coliseum to complete the highest successful chase in men's T20 history and book their place in Major League Cricket 2026 Qualifier 2.

Nicholas Pooran's breathtaking 31-ball century had powered MI New York to 266 for 9, the highest total in MLC knockout history. Yet it wasn't enough. Andries Gous blasted an unbeaten 132 from 51 balls while Steven Smith struck a magnificent century as Freedom hunted down the target with an over to spare, turning a match they were given less than a 10% chance of winning into one of franchise cricket's greatest run chases.

Gous and Smith revive Freedom after early blows

Freedom's pursuit began badly. Mitch Owen and Rachin Ravindra departed inside the opening three overs, leaving the chasing side staring at an improbable task.

Instead of retreating, captain Steven Smith and Andries Gous attacked. They steadily reduced the asking rate before unleashing one of the most destructive partnerships seen in T20 cricket. The pair added 241 runs from just 89 balls, repeatedly clearing Oakland's short boundaries as MI New York's bowlers ran out of answers.

At the halfway stage, head coach Ricky Ponting had lightened the mood in the dressing room with a reference to the famous 438-run ODI between Australia and South Africa in 2006, joking that MI New York were "15 short" despite their mammoth total.

"Ricky... came out and said '15 short, boys' and that just made the changing room a bit relaxed."

— Andries Gous
That confidence soon translated into one of the most remarkable chases the format has witnessed.

Freedom's record chase rewrites MLC history

The defining phase arrived after the powerplay.

Rather than calculating every over, Gous explained that Freedom simplified the equation. Keep finding boundaries. Keep swinging. Only when the target dropped below a run-a-ball equation did they begin discussing scenarios.

A comparison underlines the scale of the achievement:

  • 267 – Highest successful chase in men's T20 history.
  • 241 – Partnership between Gous and Smith.
  • 132 (51)* – Gous's maiden MLC century.
  • 31-ball hundred – Pooran's MLC record century still ended in defeat.

    • Smith matched Gous stroke for stroke during the partnership, ensuring Freedom never allowed the required rate to spiral beyond reach.

    Meanwhile, MI New York suffered another setback when Kieron Pollard picked up an injury attempting a catch in the outfield, further weakening their defence.

    Andries Gous delivers the innings of his career

    Pooran's century was extraordinary. Gous's proved decisive.

    The USA international became the first American cricketer to score a century in Major League Cricket, finishing unbeaten on 132 from only 51 deliveries. Normally reserved in celebration, Gous let his emotions spill over after reaching three figures.

    He admitted the innings meant more after falling agonisingly short on 96 during Freedom's final league-stage fixture.

    "I always wanted an MLC hundred," Gous said. "Getting 96 the previous game... it was really a big goal for me to get that first hundred."

    The century also justified a career decision. After relocating from South Africa to pursue cricket in the United States, Gous said he had challenged himself this season to believe he belonged among the competition's best players.

    Freedom also benefited from Ravindra's contribution with the ball. Introduced in the 14th over, the New Zealand all-rounder returned 4 for 29, preventing MI New York from pushing beyond the 300-run mark.

    Gous was quick to acknowledge that spell afterwards, describing Ravindra as Freedom's "golden boy" for taking wickets at crucial moments throughout the season.