Less than 24 hours after an opening-night disappointment, we produced the perfect response.

Washington Freedom stormed to the first victory of the 2026 season, defeating MI New York by 30 runs in a thrilling contest headlined by a record-breaking masterpiece from Mitch Owen.

Owen delivered an innings for the ages, smashing 155 from just 68 balls, the highest individual score in Major League Cricket history. Featuring 11 fours and 13 sixes, the knock was a relentless exhibition of power, precision, and confidence as he propelled us to a towering 245/5.

From the very first over, Owen dictated terms. Boundaries flowed freely, sixes soared as Freedom's innings gathered unstoppable momentum. By the time he departed, the record books had been rewritten, and MI New York faced a monumental chase.

After posting the biggest total in our franchise history, our bowlers knew they still had work to do against a powerful MI New York batting lineup. Freedom delivered exactly what was required, striking at key moments to keep the chase under control. Glenn Maxwell played a major role in that effort, claiming 2/37 from four overs after taking the ball inside the Powerplay. He also produced one of the sharpest moments of the evening in the field, executing a clever run-out to underline a superb start in the powerplay.

MI New York responded through Kieron Pollard, whose unbeaten 100 from 56 deliveries showcased his enduring quality and ensured the contest remained competitive deep into the innings. But Freedom consistently found answers whenever momentum threatened to shift.

The visitors eventually finished on 215/6, sealing a deserved 30-run victory and giving Freedom the ideal response after defeat less than a day earlier.

The performance reflected the character of the group as they responded with intent, energy, and resilience. The batting was explosive, the bowling was disciplined, and the fielding was sharp.

The Freedom Express is up and running.