Steve Smith smashes 40-ball T20 century in record 267-run chase to keep Washington alive

Steve Smith has just delivered one of the greatest T20 chases ever, blasting an unbeaten 110 from 48 balls to steer Washington Freedom past 267 and rewrite the record books on 18 June 2026.

What happened in the Eliminator?

Washington Freedom, coached by Ricky Ponting, erased a 2-10 hole inside three overs to post the highest successful T20 chase in history. They reached the target in 18.4 overs, smashing past Punjab Kings’ 2026 IPL chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals. Smith’s 110* off 48 included seven fours and nine sixes, but the real fireworks came from Andries Gous, who belted 132 off 51 with 10 fours and 12 sixes.

The pair added 241 in 89 balls for the third wicket, turning a near-collapse into a statement win. MI New York’s Nicholas Pooran had earlier set the tone with a 31-ball century, the fastest in MLC history, but Washington’s counterattack proved unstoppable.

Why this innings matters for Steve Smith

At 31, Smith just raced to his fastest T20 century ever: off 40 balls: and his 110* was his highest score in a successful chase. The knock underlined his mastery of high-pressure run chases, a trait that’s defined his white-ball career. His strike rate of 229.17 kept Washington’s required rate below 15 an over after the early wobble.

Smith’s leadership mattered as much as his bat. He admitted Gous’ innings made his job easy, saying: “It was insane striking up the other end. ‘Gousey’ was unbelievable from ball one. He didn’t miss the middle all night, and everything just kept flying.”

What’s next for Washington?

The win keeps Washington’s title defence alive and sets up a Challenger clash with San Francisco Unicorns: led by Matt Short: on 20 June. The winner advances to Sunday’s final against Los Angeles Knight Riders. Smith’s form gives Ponting’s side a real shot at back-to-back MLC crowns.

Three centuries in one T20 game

This Eliminator became the first T20 match to feature three individual centuries. Smith, Gous and Pooran all hit triple figures, with Gous becoming the first domestic player to record an MLC century. The trio rewrote the script in a game that averaged a boundary every 3.4 balls.

The record chase wasn’t just a batting feast. It was a reminder that in T20, momentum can flip in an over. Washington seized theirs, and Smith was at the heart of the carnage.