WAF vs MINY Eliminator 2026 Highlights: Washington Freedom produced one of the greatest run chases in Major League Cricket (MLC) history as they defeated MI New York by six wickets in a breathtaking Eliminator. The victory not only kept Washington Freedom’s title hopes alive but also knocked MI New York out of the tournament.

After winning the toss, Washington Freedom elected to bowl first. MI New York responded with a mammoth 266/9 in 20 overs, powered by sensational centuries from Nicholas Pooran and a blistering knock from Kieron Pollard. However, Washington Freedom answered with an even more remarkable batting display, chasing down the target in just 18.4 overs to finish on 270/4.

The match produced an astonishing 536 runs, making it one of the highest-scoring games in MLC history.

Pooran and Pollard Power MI New York to 266

Batting first, MI New York suffered an early setback when Monank Patel was run out for just two runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock then gave the innings momentum with a quickfire 51 off 24 balls, smashing two fours and six sixes.

The real fireworks came from captain Nicholas Pooran, who played one of the finest T20 innings of the season. Pooran hammered 106 off just 33 balls, including five fours and thirteen sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 321.21.

Veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard provided the perfect support, blasting 64 off 25 deliveries with one four and eight sixes. Their explosive partnership completely dominated the Washington bowlers and helped MI New York post a massive total of 266/9.

In the final overs, Trent Boult chipped in with an unbeaten 22 off 10 balls, adding valuable runs to the scoreboard.

Rachin Ravindra Shines With the Ball

While most Washington Freedom bowlers struggled on a batting-friendly surface, Rachin Ravindra stood out with an exceptional spell. The left-arm spinner claimed 4 wickets for just 29 runs in his four overs, dismissing several key middle-order batters and preventing MI New York from crossing the 280-run mark.

Ben Dwarshuis picked up two wickets, while Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary claimed one wicket each.

Washington Freedom Produce a Historic Chase

Chasing 267 was always going to require something extraordinary, and Washington Freedom delivered exactly that.

The innings began with an early blow as Mitchell Owen was dismissed for just one run. However, captain Steven Smith and Andries Gous completely changed the course of the match with fearless stroke play.

Smith anchored the chase with a magnificent unbeaten 110 off 48 balls, hitting seven fours and nine sixes. At the other end, wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous stole the show with an unforgettable 132 off just 51 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and 12 sixes.

Their massive partnership dismantled the MI New York bowling attack and ensured that the required run rate never became an issue. Washington Freedom eventually completed the chase in 18.4 overs, sealing a memorable six-wicket victory with eight balls to spare.

MI New York’s Campaign Comes to an End

The defeat marked the end of MI New York’s MLC 2026 campaign. Despite posting 266 runs and witnessing a breathtaking century from Nicholas Pooran, the team failed to defend the total as their bowlers struggled to contain Washington Freedom’s aggressive batting lineup.

Pooran’s heroic knock and Pollard’s explosive innings ultimately went in vain as MI New York were eliminated from the tournament.

Washington Freedom to Face San Francisco Unicorns in the Challenger

With this impressive victory, Washington Freedom have advanced to the Challenger, where they will take on San Francisco Unicorns tomorrow.

The Unicorns enter the Challenger after losing Qualifier 1, while Washington Freedom arrive with tremendous momentum following this record-breaking chase.

The winner of the Challenger will secure a place in the MLC 2026 Final, where Texas Super Kings are already waiting after qualifying directly from Qualifier 1.

Turning Point of the Match

Although Nicholas Pooran’s explosive century helped MI New York post a daunting total, Washington Freedom never allowed the pressure of the chase to build. The remarkable partnership between Steven Smith and Andries Gous completely shifted the momentum and left MI New York with no answers.

Their fearless batting transformed what looked like an impossible chase into one of the greatest victories in Major League Cricket history.

Match Summary

MI New York – 266/9 (20 Overs)

• Nicholas Pooran – 106 (33)
• Kieron Pollard – 64 (25)
• Quinton de Kock – 51 (24)

Washington Freedom – 270/4 (18.4 Overs)

• Andries Gous – 132* (51)
• Steven Smith – 110* (48)

Result: Washington Freedom defeated MI New York by 6 wickets.

What’s Next?
Washington Freedom will face San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC 2026 Challenger tomorrow. The winner of that contest will advance to the final against Texas Super Kings, while MI New York’s journey in the tournament has officially come to an end.

More : Andre Russell and Rovman Powell Power Los Angeles Knight Riders into MLC Final with 7-Run Win

Niraj Yadav

Niraj Yadav इस वेबसाइट के Founder और Content Writer हैं। ये अकेले ही वेबसाइट को मैनेज करते हैं और IPL, क्रिकेट न्यूज़, मैच हाइलाइट्स, पॉइंट्स टेबल और लेटेस्ट स्पोर्ट्स अपडेट्स पर कंटेंट लिखते हैं। इनका उद्देश्य क्रिकेट फैंस तक तेज, आसान और भरोसेमंद जानकारी पहुंचाना है।