MLC-New york vs washington freedom: Nicholas Pooran produced one of the most remarkable batting displays in Major League Cricket history, smashing a breathtaking century to guide MI New York to a massive total of 266/9 against Washington Freedom in the MLC 2026 Eliminator. The explosive left-hander reached his hundred in just 31 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest century in the tournament’s history and putting his side in a commanding position in the knockout clash.
The high-stakes encounter at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas carried enormous significance, with the losing team facing elimination from the competition. Pooran’s extraordinary innings ensured MI New York seized early control of the contest.
Rovman Powell broke the record for fastest 50 today with 50* off 15 balls. Nicholas Pooran broke his new record two hours later with 52* off 14. 😳
— Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 16, 2026
Safe to say the competition is stiff this year 💀 pic.twitter.com/CpVXABSyyS
Nicholas Pooran Creates MLC History
Walking to the crease in the second over after MI New York lost an early wicket, Pooran wasted no time taking charge. From the moment he arrived, he attacked nearly every bowler, turning the Eliminator into a batting spectacle.
The West Indies star raced to his century in only 31 balls, surpassing the previous Major League Cricket benchmark and recording the fastest hundred ever scored in the league. His innings eventually came to an end at 106 from just 33 deliveries, an extraordinary knock featuring 13 sixes and five boundaries.
Pooran maintained an incredible strike rate throughout his stay at the crease, leaving Washington Freedom’s bowlers with few answers as the scoreboard accelerated at an astonishing pace.
Aggressive Strokeplay Leaves Bowlers Under Pressure
Pooran’s assault began almost immediately after he arrived. After clearing the boundary with only his second delivery, he shifted into another gear against Washington Freedom’s attack.
One of the defining moments of the innings came when he took on Glenn Maxwell, hammering three successive sixes along with a boundary in a single over. The momentum continued as he targeted Saurabh Netravalkar, finishing another over with three consecutive sixes.
His relentless attack did not stop there. Facing Asif Mohammad, Pooran struck the first two deliveries for six, completing a sequence of five consecutive sixes across two overs. The sustained power-hitting kept the pressure firmly on the fielding side and prevented Washington Freedom from regaining control at any stage.
Close to Matching Chris Gayle’s Franchise T20 Record
Although Pooran rewrote the MLC record books, he narrowly missed one of the most famous milestones in franchise T20 cricket.
Former West Indies great Chris Gayle still holds the record for the fastest century in a major franchise T20 competition after reaching three figures in just 30 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors during the 2013 Indian Premier League season.
Pooran’s 31-ball century left him just one delivery short of matching Gayle’s iconic achievement.
Across all recognised T20 cricket, however, the fastest century belongs to Estonia batter Sahil Chauhan, who reached the landmark in only 27 balls against Cyprus in 2024.
MI New York Finish With a Huge Total
Pooran’s explosive innings laid the foundation for MI New York’s imposing total of 266/9 from their allotted 20 overs, one of the highest scores seen in the tournament.
The aggressive approach throughout the innings ensured Washington Freedom faced a daunting chase under knockout pressure. Every over added to the challenge, with MI New York maintaining an exceptional scoring rate despite losing wickets in the latter stages.
A total beyond 260 in a knockout match reflected the dominance of MI New York’s batting unit, led by Pooran’s unforgettable performance.
Also read: MLC 2026: Lhuan-dre Pretorius Smashes 52-Ball Century as San Francisco Unicorns Crush MI New York
Washington Freedom Face a Tough Chase
At the time of the latest update, Washington Freedom had reached 78/2 after seven overs while chasing 267 for victory. Although they made a positive start, the required run rate remained demanding against MI New York’s bowling attack.
The Eliminator format leaves no room for error, as the losing side is knocked out of the tournament while the winner advances to the next stage.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Knight Riders had already secured their place in the MLC 2026 final after winning Qualifier 1, meaning the victor of this Eliminator would keep its championship hopes alive.
Also read: Shapoor Zadran Dies at 38 After Rare Illness, Afghanistan Cricket Mourns Former Fast Bowler
A Knock to Remember
Pooran’s innings will be remembered as one of the finest individual performances in Major League Cricket. His fearless approach, clean ball-striking and record-breaking century transformed a crucial playoff match into a historic occasion.
While he narrowly missed Chris Gayle’s celebrated franchise T20 record, his 31-ball hundred now stands as the fastest century in MLC history. More importantly, it placed MI New York in a strong position to continue their title challenge and added another memorable chapter to Pooran’s reputation as one of the most destructive batters in modern T20 cricket.
