The SunRisers Leeds Women launched their campaign in The Hundred with a resounding seven-wicket victory over MI London, marking a new era for the tournament. The match saw two teams, who have undergone name changes following significant overseas investment, face off at The Kia Oval.
SunRisers, the reigning champions under their former name Northern Superchargers, restricted MI London, previously known as Oval Invincibles, to 107-8 after breaking an opening partnership of 56 between Hayley Matthews and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The visitors then comfortably achieved their target with 31 balls to spare, led by Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 43 off 26 balls, and Annabel Sutherland, who contributed 30 not out off 23 deliveries. The winning boundary was hit by skipper Dani Gibson. However, the victory was marred by an injury to Kate Cross, who suffered a shoulder injury while fielding.
Cross is set to undergo scans, although it has been confirmed that her shoulder is not dislocated. The SunRisers' win was also marked by impressive performances from their bowlers, including Hannah Baker, Dani Gibson, and Deepti Sharma, who all took key wickets. The opposition's batting lineup, including England's Wyatt-Hodge, West Indies' Matthews, and New Zealand's Melie Kerr, were all dismissed by spin bowling. The Hundred continues on Wednesday with a double-header at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, featuring Southern Brave and Welsh Fire.