'I wanted to become the first USA player to score a hundred' - Andries Gous reflects on historic chase

Andries Gous earned Player of the Match honours after leading Washington Freedom's historic run chase to defeat MI New York by six wickets in the MLC 2026 Eliminator at Oakland Coliseum on Wednesday. The American batter smashed 132 from just 51 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes, as Washington chased down 267 and reached 270 for 4 in just 18.4 overs.

The victory marked the biggest chase in T20 history, surpassing all previous records. Oakland witnessed a record 51 sixes as three batters scored centuries in the same T20 game for the very first time. Nicholas Pooran's 31-ball hundred, the fastest in MLC history, proved insufficient as Washington Freedom completed an improbable turnaround. Steven Smith provided equally explosive support with an unbeaten 110 from 48 balls, featuring seven fours and nine sixes.

"It's just the belief we have in each other. Ricky and Hopsey everyone, it's truly special. On a personal note, I wanted to become the first player from the USA to get the 100. I did it in this game. The rate kept staying at 14 and the ball kept skidding. Very happy with that," Gous said in the post-match presentation.

I had the best seat in the house: Steven Smith

Smith and Gous forged a 241-run partnership off 89 deliveries to completely turn the match. Washington Freedom had slipped to 10 for 2 inside the opening two overs, but the explosive duo shifted gears dramatically. In a pivotal 13th over, Gous smashed Romario Shepherd for four consecutive sixes before hitting a four to cap an electric phase. Gous became the first American batter to score a century in Major League Cricket, ending overseas players' monopoly on the league's century records.

"It was insane striking at the other end. Felt like Gous didn't miss the middle of the bat and I had the best seat in the house. A lot has to go right to chase that down. Fortunately, it kept going the rope and two good hits you're on the path. You just gotta trust the boys, go out and play," Smith said.

Washington Freedom advance to Eliminator 2 against San Francisco Unicorns, with the winner booking their spot in the MLC 2026 final against LA Knight Riders.