MI London kicked off their quest for a fourth consecutive Hundred championship with a dominant seven‑wicket win over SunRisers Leeds at The Kia Oval, signalling that the revamped competition – now sporting fresh branding and new kits after a wave of overseas investment – still offers the same high‑octane cricket fans have come to expect. The side, previously known as the Oval Invincibles, kept a core of familiar strengths while embracing the changes around them.
Chasing a target of 144 runs set by the SunRisers, MI London’s innings was anchored by a blistering fourth‑wicket partnership between Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran. Curran, who struck a swift 60 runs off just 39 deliveries, and Pooran, who added a rapid 58 off 22 balls, combined for a 93‑run stand that effectively sealed the match.
Their partnership came after early wickets fell, with both Will Jacks and Jason Roy dismissed early, but the duo’s aggressive intent allowed the defending champions to cruise to victory with 16 balls still remaining. **SunRisers Leeds – 143/9 (99 balls)** - Mitchell Marsh: 41 (27 balls) - Ryan Rickelton: 25 (16 balls) - Tom Alsop: 31 (18 balls) - Bowling highlights: Richard Gleeson 4‑25, Sam Curran 2‑27 **MI London – 144/3 (84 balls)** - Sam Curran: 60* (39 balls) - Nicholas Pooran: 58* (22 balls) - Brydon Carse: 2‑18 - Nathan Ellis: 1‑22 The SunRisers, who entered the tournament last season under the Northern Superchargers banner, were bowled out for 143 in just 99 deliveries.
Their innings featured a powerful start from Mitchell Marsh, who smashed three fours and three sixes, and a quickfire cameo from Ryan Rickelton, who launched three sixes in his 25‑run effort. However, Richard Gleeson’s disciplined spell (4‑25) dismantled the middle order, and the early loss of both openers left the team scrambling for momentum.
Rickelton’s aggressive approach saw him hit three sixes while building a 40‑run opening partnership with Marsh. His momentum was halted when Sam Curran delivered a textbook slower‑ball dismissal, trapping him lbw. The next batsman, England’s white‑ball captain Harry Brook, survived only seven balls before falling to Rashid Khan, who caught him out after Brook had struck a six off Nathan Sowter.
With the top order in trouble, captain Zak Crawley contributed a quick 13 off 11 balls but could not spark a revival. It fell to Tom Alsop, who smashed 31 runs from just 18 balls, to push the total into a respectable range. Gleeson then claimed the final wicket, dismissing Nathan Ellis with the last ball of the innings, sealing a 143‑run total for the SunRisers.
In response, MI London’s opening bowler Brydon Carse made an early impact, removing Will Jacks and Jason Roy with his sixth and eighth deliveries, respectively. This early breakthrough gave MI London a slight wobble, but the damage was quickly repaired.
James Vince fell to a delivery from Nathan Ellis, but the innings steadied when Pooran and Curran combined for a rapid 50‑run partnership over just 23 balls. Curran reached his half‑century in 34 balls, while Pooran accelerated even faster, hitting his fifty in just 19 deliveries. Together they struck ten fours and eight sixes, effectively taking the game away from the SunRisers and ensuring a comfortable finish with plenty of overs to spare. **Post‑match reflections** *Sam Curran, MI London captain:* “I spent a lot of last year working on my game, and my experience captaining Surrey in the Blast and the ILT20 has helped.
I feel I can read the match situation well, both when I’m batting and bowling. There are so many great minds around the squad, and it’s a privilege to start the tournament on a high note.” *Nicholas Pooran, Meerkat Match Hero:* “I knew exactly what my role was and executed it. We tried to stay positive, focus on hitting boundaries, and build a partnership that could take us to the finish. Scoring runs builds confidence, but winning is what matters most, and I’m thrilled we’ve begun the season with a win at home.” The double‑header on Wednesday continues the excitement, with the Utilita Bowl in Southampton hosting Southern Brave versus Welsh Fire.
The women’s fixture begins at 2:45 pm, followed by the men’s match at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for up‑to‑date news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis throughout the tournament. Overall, MI London’s blend of seasoned leadership, explosive batting, and disciplined bowling set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested Hundred season. Their ability to adapt to the competition’s new look while maintaining performance standards underscores why they remain the team to beat as the chase for a fourth straight title intensifies.