Sunrisers Leeds kicked off their 2026 The Women's Hundred campaign with a dominant seven-wicket victory against MI London in London on Tuesday. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the visitors restricted the home side to a total of 107/8 from their 100 balls.
MI London initially showed promise with an opening partnership of 56 runs in 37 balls between Hayley Matthews, who scored 33, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who added 29. However, the momentum shifted once Deepti Sharma dismissed both openers. The subsequent batting lineup struggled to maintain the pressure, with only Amelia Kerr reaching double figures by scoring 13 off 15 deliveries. The Sunrisers' bowling attack, led by Dani Gibson, who took 2-17, and Deepti Sharma, who finished with 2-20, maintained consistent pressure to keep the total modest.
The Sunrisers' chase encountered early difficulties, as opening batter Bryony Smith fell cheaply and Jess Jonassen was dismissed via run-out. The innings was stabilized by a crucial 57-run partnership for the third wicket between Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland, which was achieved in just 36 balls.
Litchfield showcased her aggressive style, hitting seven boundaries and one six during her 26-ball 43. Following her departure, Sutherland remained unbeaten on 30, partnering with the middle order to guide the team to victory. The pair added an unbroken 28 runs in 15 balls for the fourth wicket, ultimately sealing the win with 31 balls to spare. Alexa Stonehouse claimed the only wicket for the hosts during the chase, finishing with figures of 1-12.
