MI London began their campaign with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds at the Kia Oval on July 21, 2026. Chasing a target of 143, MI London reached 144 for 3 with 16 balls to spare, driven by a formidable unbeaten partnership between Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran.
The Sunrisers initially looked to be in control after an aggressive opening spell from Brydon Carse. The fast bowler, clocking speeds over 90mph, removed Will Jacks and Jason Roy, reducing MI London to 4 for 2. When Nathan Ellis bowled James Vince with an impressive inducker to leave the score at 51 for 3 after 44 balls, the momentum appeared to favor the visitors.
However, the arrival of Nicholas Pooran shifted the tide. The Trinidadian left-hander displayed exceptional form, recording a 19-ball fifty—the fastest in the history of the Oval-based franchise. Pooran, who previously played for the franchise under the name Northern Superchargers in 2024, struck two fours and a six in three balls off Benny Howell to ignite the chase. He finished unbeaten on 58 from 22 balls, while Sam Curran provided steady support and explosive hitting, ending on 60 not out from 39 balls with five fours and three sixes.
Earlier in the match, MI London won the toss and elected to field first. The Sunrisers' opening pair of Ryan Rickelton and Mitch Marsh provided a rapid start, with Rickelton hitting three sixes in five deliveries and a four off Richard Gleeson before being dismissed lbw by Sam Curran. Richard Gleeson proved to be a standout performer with the ball for MI London, finishing with figures of 4 for 25 as the Sunrisers were restricted to 143 all out.
