Steve Smith smashes Pollard for three sixes before dodging his wild throw in MLC 2026 Eliminator

Steve Smith turned the screws on Kieron Pollard in the MLC 2026 Eliminator on 16 July, bludgeoning three sixes in a single over before Pollard lost his temper and hurled a ball at the Australian batter.

What happened in the heat of the moment?

Pollard cracked after Smith carved him apart in the over, ending with a mistimed shot that flew straight back to the bowler. The West Indies veteran fielded the ball, then whipped it at Smith mid-follow-through. Smith ducked just in time, sparking a shouting match that umpires quickly shut down.

The two exchanged words in the middle, but Smith stayed calm-literally. Video shows him grinning as Pollard approached before officials stepped in. Play resumed, and Smith kept piling on the runs.

How did the match play out?

Washington Freedom chased 267 against MI New York, the highest successful T20 total ever. Smith and Andries Gous put on 241 for the third wicket, both scoring centuries. The Aussie finished with 101 off 52 balls, while Pollard’s frustration grew after injuring his left hand trying to take a catch off Smith earlier in the innings.

Pollard still starred with the bat, smashing 64 off 25 balls with eight sixes and a four. His big hit off Saurabh Netravalkar made him only the second batter after Chris Gayle to reach 1,000 T20 sixes.

Why it matters for Steve Smith

Smith’s assault under pressure capped a dominant MLC stint. He shrugged off a run-out chance and two dropped catches before cashing in, proving once more why bowlers dread facing him in high-stakes chases.

The drama with Pollard added spice to an already explosive innings. Smith’s ability to handle the heat-both on the pitch and off-kept Washington Freedom’s record-breaking chase alive.

What comes next?

MI New York bowed out of the tournament, but Smith’s form remains red-hot. The Aussie’s next assignment will be closely watched after his latest masterclass and brush with Pollard’s temper.

Pollard’s fiery reaction highlighted the intensity of MLC 2026, where every run and every ball can swing momentum in an instant.