Steve Smith and Andries Gous (Image credit: MLC)
NEW DELHI: Nicholas Pooran rewrote the Major League Cricket record books with the fastest century in tournament history, reaching the landmark in just 31 balls. Washington Freedom chased down a mammoth target of 267 with eight balls to spare to beat MI New York by six wickets in the Eliminator on Wednesday. Quinton de Kock gave MI New York a flying start with 51 off 24 balls, while Kieron Pollard scored a blistering 64 off 25 deliveries, including eight sixes. Steven Smith and Andries Gous completely changed the game with a stunning 241-run stand for the third wicket, taking the attack to every MI New York bowler.
But his breathtaking knock was eclipsed by an even greater batting masterclass from Andries Gous and Steven Smith as Washington Freedom pulled off one of the greatest run chases in MLC history. The remarkable victory kept Washington Freedom alive in the tournament while ending the campaign of two-time champions MI New York. Asked to bat first, MI New York produced one of the most explosive batting displays seen in the tournament.