Punjab Kings world record broken: Steve Smith is the most successful chaser in MLC

ByTech Word News

Australian superstar Steve Smith powered the Washington Freedom to a record T20 run as they beat defending champions MI New York in a Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 Eliminator match in Oakland on Wednesday night.

A record-breaking 267-run chase was achieved off 31 balls by Nicholas Pooran, the fastest in MLC history, as Washington captain Smith and wicketkeeper Andries Gous combined to produce a stunning six-wicket victory. Down 10 for two inside three overs, Smith and Gous produced a record third wicket stand that put up 241 runs off just 89 balls. Gous was adjudged man of the match as he scored 132 off just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes.

In a match that was a repeat of last year’s final where MI emerged victorious, Smith remained unbeaten on 110 off 48 balls as Washington stormed to the target in just 18.4 overs.

Washington broke the all-time T20 record held by Indian Premier League (IPL) team Punjab Kings for the most successful run chase in the format. PBKS smashed 265 runs against Delhi Capitals in Delhi in April this year during the IPL 2026 season, bettering their own record chase of 262 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.

During the match in Delhi, DC posted 264 runs at the back KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 off 67 balls. PBKS were able to chase down the total as Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya scored 116 runs in the powerplay.

The match ended with Shreyas Iyer scoring 71 off 36 balls and Punjab winning with seven balls to spare.

HIGHEST RUN-CHASES IN T20 CRICKET

  • Washington Freedom – 270/4 (18.4 overs) beat MI New York by 6 wickets on 15 July 2026
  • Punjab Kings – 265/4 (18.5 overs) beat Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets on 25 April 2026
  • Punjab Kings – 262/2 (18.4 overs) beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets on 26 April 2024
  • South Africa – 259/4 (18.5 overs) beat West Indies by 6 wickets 26 March 2023
  • Brisbane Heat – 258/2 (19.5 overs) beat Perth Scorchers by 8 wickets on 19 December 2025

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Published on:

16 Jul 2026 12:38 IST