In a thrilling northern derby at Headingley, the Manchester Super Giants secured a four-wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds with just four balls to spare. The match was defined by a masterful performance from Indian batter Smriti Mandhana, who anchored the Super Giants' successful chase of 143 with an unbeaten 88 off 50 balls.
Sunrisers Leeds had earlier posted 142 for 4, bolstered by contributions from Australian pair Annabel Sutherland, who scored 35, and Phoebe Litchfield, who added 31, alongside a late flurry from captain Dani Gibson. Kathryn Bryce was the standout bowler for Manchester, notably claiming the wicket of Litchfield.
Mandhana's innings was characterized by both elegance and resilience. While she reached her first fifty of this year's tournament from 33 balls, she benefited from two missed chances: a drop by Litchfield when she was on 30 and a spill by Darcey Carter when 16 runs were needed from 10 balls. Despite these moments, Mandhana maintained control, even as the team saw four wickets fall for 10 runs during the middle period of the chase.
The match concluded in dramatic fashion as Mandhana struck back-to-back sixes off Annabel Sutherland to seal the win. Her total included four sixes, marking her highest score in the tournament and the 59th half-century of her short-format career. Reflecting on the win, Mandhana noted that the Headingley pitch held more than usual, making the victory particularly satisfying.
This result elevates the Manchester franchise to 10 points from three matches, placing them second in the standings behind Southern Brave. The victory was a collective effort, with Bryce joining Mandhana on the pitch at the end to celebrate a significant win for the team.
In a star-studded match featuring five Australian overseas stars and three Indians it was Mandhana who proved the difference, making her first fifty of the Hundred this year, her highest score at the tournament, and her 59th overall in her short-format career.
Smriti MandhanaSunrisers Leeds (Women)Manchester Super Giants (Women)Sunrisers vs Super GiantsThe Hundred Women's Competition
