Sunrisers Leeds women secure seven-wicket victory over MI London

By Rohit Verma — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

Sunrisers Leeds Women, formerly known as Northern Superchargers, commenced their The Hundred 2026 campaign with a decisive seven-wicket win against MI London Women, previously the Oval Invincibles. The match took place at The Kia Oval in London on Tuesday, marking a strong start for the defending champions.

The victory was largely attributed to a disciplined bowling performance that restricted MI London to a total of 107/8. Following this, Sunrisers Leeds comfortably chased the target with seven wickets in hand and 31 balls to spare. Phoebe Litchfield was instrumental in the chase, earning the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 43 runs from 26 balls.

MI London’s Initial Momentum and Subsequent Collapse

MI London initially appeared poised for a higher score, with openers Hayley Matthews and Danni Wyatt-Hodge providing a strong start. The pair contributed to 50 runs without loss in just 34 balls, and MI London was well-positioned at 68/1 after 50 balls. Matthews scored 33 runs, while Wyatt-Hodge added 29 runs during their 56-run opening stand.

However, Sunrisers Leeds bowlers initiated a comeback, effectively curtailing MI London’s momentum. Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma played a key role in this shift, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs and applying pressure during the middle overs. Captain Dani Gibson also secured two wickets at critical junctures, contributing to MI London’s decline to 107/8 from their allotted 100 balls.

Litchfield’s Anchoring Performance in the Chase

In pursuit of a modest target of 108 runs, Sunrisers Leeds experienced some early setbacks but maintained control of the chase. Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield delivered a crucial innings, remaining composed and ensuring the scoreboard continued to advance. Her fluent 43 runs off 26 deliveries were pivotal in guiding the defending champions to an easy victory.

Litchfield, who was the women’s leading run-scorer in 2025, made a shaky start to her innings, being involved in the run-out of compatriot Jess Jonassen for 14 runs. Despite this, she recovered to hit seven fours and a six during her knock. She was eventually bowled by Scotland spinner Kirstie Gordon when 27 runs were still needed. Annabel Sutherland then contributed an unbeaten 30 runs, and Gibson added 12 not out to secure the win.

Litchfield commented on the match, acknowledging the early run-out but emphasising the team’s positive approach. She praised the bowlers for restricting MI London, noting their ability to adapt, vary pace, and maintain line and length. She highlighted that taking catches was part of their winning formula.

Men’s Competition Opener

In the men’s competition, Mitch Marsh, the Australian men’s T20 captain, began his Hundred career with a quickfire 41 runs. However, his Sunrisers Leeds team was defeated by the reigning champions, MI London, in the first match between the two newly named teams. Marsh and South African Ryan Rickelton, who scored 25 runs off 16 balls, provided a rapid start for Sunrisers Leeds after being sent in to bat.

Rickelton hit three sixes before being dismissed lbw by Sam Curran. Marsh also cleared the boundary thrice in his 27-ball innings. However, Sunrisers Leeds faltered after Marsh was caught off Tom Curran’s bowling. Paceman Richard Gleeson then took 4 wickets for 25 runs, tearing through the middle order. Sunrisers Leeds were bowled out for 143 runs with a ball remaining.

MI London comfortably chased down the target, with Sam Curran scoring 60 not out off 39 balls and Nicholas Pooran adding 58 not out off 22 balls. They formed an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 93 runs, guiding MI London to victory with 16 balls to spare. Australian quick Nathan Ellis claimed one of the three MI London wickets that fell, returning figures of 1 wicket for 22 runs from his 20-ball spell.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com