The SunRisers Leeds Women launched the new season of The Hundred with a convincing seven‑wicket victory over MI London, a match that highlighted both the fresh branding of two heavily financed franchises and the high‑octane cricket on display at The Kia Oval. Having captured the championship the previous year under the banner of the Northern Superchargers, the SunRisers entered the contest with confidence, and they quickly imposed their dominance on the visiting side, which had recently rebranded from the Oval Invincibles to MI London following a substantial overseas investment.
After a solid opening partnership of 56 runs between Hayley Matthews, who contributed 33 runs, and Danni Wyatt‑Hodge, who added 29, MI London found themselves stymied by the SunRisers’ disciplined bowling attack. The visitors were restricted to a modest total of 107 for 8 wickets in their allotted 100 balls. The turning point came when the SunRisers broke the opening stand, triggering a cascade of wickets that left MI London scrambling for runs.
Chasing a modest target, the SunRisers approached the run‑chase with a blend of aggression and composure. Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield led the way, blasting 43 runs off just 26 deliveries. Her innings was punctuated by a spectacular catch at long‑on, where she dismissed Wyatt‑Hodge, showcasing her all‑round abilities.
Litchfield’s quickfire knock set the tone, and she was ably supported by fellow Australian Annabel Sutherland, who contributed an unbeaten 30 runs from 23 balls, anchoring the middle overs and ensuring the chase stayed on course. Captain Dani Gibson added a rapid 12‑run cameo off only seven balls, sealing the win with a decisive boundary. The final scoreboard read MI London 107‑8 in 100 balls, with Matthews (33 off 22) and Wyatt‑Hodge (29 off 20) as the top scorers for the visitors.
Their bowlers, however, could not contain the SunRisers, as Hannah Baker (2‑16) and Dani Gibson (2‑17) shared the wickets, while Deepti Sharma also chipped in with two dismissals (2‑20). In response, the SunRisers posted 109‑3 in just 69 balls, thanks to Litchfield’s 43, Sutherland’s unbeaten 30, and Gibson’s quick 12. The bowling figures for the SunRisers featured Alexa Stonehouse (1‑12) and Kirstie Gordon (1‑17), who kept the opposition’s run‑rate in check. While the match was largely a showcase of SunRisers’ batting firepower, it was not without its concerns.
Kate Cross suffered a shoulder injury after taking a spectacular running catch at long‑on to dismiss Wyatt‑Hodge. She landed awkwardly while fielding at extra‑cover and immediately walked off in visible pain.
Although scans later confirmed that the shoulder was not dislocated, Cross will undergo further medical assessment to determine the extent of the injury and her availability for upcoming fixtures. The SunRisers’ investment in talent was evident, particularly in the acquisition of Dani Gibson, who became the most expensive English player in the recent Hundred auction with a £190,000 price tag. Gibson justified the outlay by delivering two crucial wickets, including that of Australia’s Nicola Carey, who fell to a well‑executed cross‑seamer. Spin also played a pivotal role in the contest.
Deepti Sharma, the Indian all‑rounder, claimed the wickets of both Wyatt‑Hodge and Matthews, the latter falling to a sharp caught‑and‑bowled. Young English leg‑spinner Hannah Baker impressed with figures of 2‑16, dismissing New Zealand captain Melie Kerr, who had contributed 13 runs before being trapped by Baker’s turn. Sky Sports’ former England fast bowler Stuart Broad praised Phoebe Litchfield during the post‑match interview, stating, “She looks like the best player in the world to me – she has everything covered.
She can hit the ball anywhere, has so much time, opens up the off‑side and drives the ball beautifully. In addition, she uses her feet when the wicketkeeper is up. She might move a bit too much at times but she has incredible talent.
The sound off the bat is just different – it is what you hear when top‑level players strike the ball – and she can score 360.” The victory sets a strong tone for the SunRisers as they head into the rest of the season, while MI London will need to regroup after a disappointing start. Both teams will be looking to fine‑tune their line‑ups ahead of the next round of fixtures, which includes a double‑header at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton where Southern Brave will face Welsh Fire. The women's match is slated for a 2:45 pm kickoff, followed by the men's game at 6:30 pm, with live coverage available on Sky Sports. Overall, the opening encounter of The Hundred delivered a blend of high‑skill cricket, strategic player acquisitions, and a reminder of the physical demands of the sport, exemplified by Cross’s injury scare.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling contests as the tournament progresses, with the SunRisers now firmly positioned as early favorites and MI London seeking to bounce back from their inaugural setback.