Sunrisers Leeds Triumph Over MI London in Women's Hundred Opener

Sunrisers Leeds began their campaign in the 2026 Women's Hundred with a convincing seven-wicket win against MI London at The Oval. In the inaugural match of the competition, MI London managed to score 107 runs for eight wickets in their set of 100 balls.

Australia's Hayley Matthews was the standout performer for MI London, scoring 33 runs from 22 balls. However, the Sunrisers' bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, led by Dani Gibson, who claimed two wickets for 17 runs. Leg-spinner Hannah Baker also contributed by taking two wickets while conceding only 16 runs. The bowling effort effectively curtailed MI London's scoring, bringing regular breakthroughs that stymied their innings.

In response, Sunrisers Leeds made swift progress. Phoebe Litchfield emerged as the top scorer, showcasing her skills with an impressive 43 runs off 26 balls. Annabel Sutherland supported her well, finishing the match unbeaten on 30 runs from 23 balls. The team reached their target with 31 balls to spare, highlighting their dominance in the opening encounter.

Despite the strong performance, Sunrisers Leeds faced a setback with the injury of seasoned bowler Kate Cross, who suffered a shoulder issue while fielding. Fortunately, it was indicated that there was no dislocation, though she will undergo a scan to assess the damage. This injury left Gibson with one less bowler, but the rest of the team stepped up effectively to secure the victory.

Looking ahead, the competition is set to continue with the match between Southern Brave and Welsh Fire scheduled for later in the day. The women’s match is expected to commence at 14:45 BST, followed by the men’s game at 18:30. Both matches will be available for live viewing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, as well as through ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website and app.