Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) commenced their Hundred 2026 campaign with a decisive seven-wicket triumph over MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) at The Kia Oval in London. The defending champions successfully chased down their target with 31 balls to spare after a disciplined bowling performance.
Phoebe Litchfield was instrumental in the chase, earning the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 43 runs off 26 balls. Her composed innings ensured Sunrisers Leeds reached the target comfortably.
MI London’s early momentum halted
MI London had a promising start to their innings, with openers Hayley Matthews and Danni Wyatt-Hodge establishing a strong foundation. The pair propelled the score to 50 without loss from just 34 balls, and MI London were well-positioned at 68/1 after 50 balls, appearing set for a much larger total.
However, Sunrisers Leeds bowlers initiated a comeback, effectively stifling MI London’s scoring. Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma was a key figure in this turnaround, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs and applying significant pressure during the middle overs. Her crucial wickets included those of Hayley Matthews and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who had built a positive opening partnership.
Captain Dani Gibson also contributed with 2 wickets for 17 runs at pivotal moments, further disrupting MI London’s momentum. Leg-spinner Hannah Baker also took 2 wickets for 16 runs. As a result, MI London faltered from their strong position, concluding their innings with a total of 107 runs for 8 wickets from their 100 balls.
Litchfield anchors Sunrisers Leeds’ chase
In pursuit of a modest target of 108 runs, Sunrisers Leeds encountered some early challenges but maintained control of the chase. Phoebe Litchfield, the Australian batter, delivered a defining performance, remaining calm and ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick over. Her fluent innings of 43 runs from 26 deliveries was central to the team’s success.
Another Australian player, Annabel Sutherland, also made a valuable contribution, finishing unbeaten with 30 runs from 23 balls. Their combined efforts allowed the defending champions to cross the finish line with ease, securing a seven-wicket victory and marking a strong start to their Hundred 2026 campaign.
Despite the comprehensive win, there was a moment of concern for Sunrisers Leeds when experienced bowler Kate Cross sustained a shoulder injury. The incident occurred while she was diving in the field, necessitating her removal from the game by the physio. It was later confirmed that the injury was not a dislocation, but Kate Cross is scheduled for a scan to ascertain the full extent of the damage.
This injury left Dani Gibson, the England all-rounder and captain of Sunrisers Leeds, with one bowler less. Gibson was chosen as the most expensive women’s player in the auction and stepped up to lead her team effectively despite the setback. The remaining bowlers in the attack collectively rose to the occasion, ensuring that MI London’s scoring opportunities remained limited.
The match at The Oval marked the beginning of a new era for The Hundred women’s competition, with Sunrisers Leeds making a dominant statement. The next fixture on Wednesday will see Southern Brave take on Welsh Fire at Southampton, with the women’s game scheduled to start at 14:45 BST.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
