Defending champions Sunrisers Leeds have punched their ticket to the Women's Hundred final once again following a clinical performance against Southern Brave in the Eliminator. The Sunrisers utilized a disciplined bowling effort to restrict the Brave to 114/7 before successfully navigating a tense chase to secure a five-wicket victory.
Opting to bowl first, the Sunrisers initially faced a strong start from Lizelle Lee, who struck a six and two fours. Despite a brief period where Jess Jonassen delivered five consecutive dot balls, Lee continued to attack until she was dismissed by a sharp leg-break from Hannah Baker. While Maia Bouchier struggled to find her rhythm at the other end, the Sunrisers kept the run rate under control. Momentum shifted decisively when Kate Cross and Deepti Sharma took quick wickets, removing Laura Wolvaardt and Bouchier. The Brave were unable to recover, as the Sunrisers' bowling attack, including contributions from Sophie Molineux and Charli Knott, prevented any late-innings explosion.
The chase began with early pressure as Lauren Bell and Issy Wong removed both Sunrisers openers. Lauren Winfield-Hill and Annabel Sutherland steadied the innings with timely boundaries, though Sarah Glenn eventually dismissed Sutherland at a crucial point. A vital partnership between Deepti Sharma and Winfield-Hill then appeared to put the Sunrisers firmly on track. However, a late twist occurred with 20 runs needed from 24 balls, as Issy Wong claimed the wickets of Winfield-Hill and Danielle Gibson in consecutive deliveries. The panic was short-lived, as Deepti and Jonassen hit two boundaries each over the next 10 balls to seal the win with 89 balls used. Sunrisers Leeds will now face Trent Rockets in the final this Sunday.
Brief scores: Southern Brave Women 114/7 in 100 balls (Lizelle Lee 32; Hannah Baker 2-13) lost to Sunrisers Leeds 116/5 in 89 balls (Lauren Winfield-Hill 37, Deepti Sharma 28*; Issy Wong 3-21) by 5 wickets
