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, setting the tone for a freshly revamped competition. The 2026 edition of The Hundred arrived with a fresh visual identity—new team names, updated kits, and significant overseas investment—but MI London, previously known as the Oval Invincibles, kept their core strengths intact, delivering a performance that reminded fans why they are the defending champions. Chasing a target of 144 runs, the London side were anchored by an explosive partnership between Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran.
Curran smashed 60 runs off just 39 balls, while Pooran added a rapid 58 off only 22 deliveries. Together they compiled a blistering 93‑run stand for the fourth wicket, effectively neutralising early setbacks after the dismissals of Will Jacks and Jason Roy. Their aggressive intent allowed MI London to cruise to victory with 16 balls remaining, sealing a comprehensive win on opening night.
SunRisers Leeds, who entered the tournament last season under the Northern Superchargers banner, were bowled out for 143 runs in 99 balls. Their innings was highlighted by Mitchell Marsh’s quickfire 41 off 27 balls and Ryan Rickelton’s 25 off 16, both of which showcased the power‑hitting potential of the side.
However, the early onslaught from MI London’s bowlers, particularly Richard Gleeson who claimed 4‑25, dismantled the SunRisers’ top order and prevented any substantial recovery. The full scorecard reads as follows: SunRisers Leeds – 143/9 (99 balls)\n• Mitchell Marsh 41 (27)\n• Ryan Rickelton 25 (16)\n• Tom Alsop 31 (18)\n• Bowling – Richard Gleeson 4/25, Sam Curran 2/27\n\nMI London – 144/3 (84 balls)\n• Sam Curran 60* (39)\n• Nicholas Pooran 58* (22)\n• Bowling – Brydon Carse 2/18, Nathan Ellis 1/22\n The innings began with a promising start for SunRisers as Rickelton struck three sixes, forming a 40‑run opening partnership with Marsh. Their momentum was abruptly halted when Rickelton was given out lbw to a textbook slower ball from Sam Curran, a delivery that has become a signature weapon in Curran’s arsenal.
England’s white‑ball captain Harry Brook, who replaced Rickelton, survived only seven balls before falling to Rashid Khan, who claimed his wicket on the eighth delivery after Brook had previously dispatched Nathan Sowter for a six. Marsh attempted to steady the ship, adding three fours and three sixes, but his innings was cut short when he attempted a risky shot off a slower ball from Tom Curran and was caught at cover by Sam Curran. With the top order in disarray, captain Zak Crawley contributed a brisk 13 off 11 balls, but it was Tom Alsop’s 31 off 18 that provided the necessary push to reach a respectable total. The innings wrapped up with a dramatic finish as Gleeson dismissed Nathan Ellis with a ball to spare, completing the SunRisers’ chase.
In response, MI London’s opening bowler Brydon Carse caused early concern by removing both Jacks and Roy with his sixth and eighth deliveries, respectively. The early wobble was quickly steadied when James Vince fell to Nathan Ellis, after which Pooran and Curran took charge.
Their partnership, built on a rapid 50 runs from just 23 balls, swung the momentum firmly in London’s favour. Curran reached his half‑century in 34 balls, while Pooran blitzed his fifty in a mere 19 deliveries. The duo’s aggressive approach featured ten fours and eight sixes, effectively sealing the match with plenty of overs to spare. Their composure under pressure highlighted why they are considered among the most reliable finishers in the format.
Post‑match, MI London captain Sam Curran reflected on his role: "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 game well, both as a batsman and a bowler. There are many great minds in the dressing room, so I’m not trying to dominate as a captain, but it’s wonderful to start the tournament on a high note." Nicholas Pooran, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, added: "I knew exactly what was required when I walked in.
We kept a positive mindset, focused on hitting boundaries, and built our partnership to the very end. Scoring runs builds confidence, but winning is what matters most, and I’m delighted we got off to a strong start at home." The Hundred’s double‑header continues on Wednesday, featuring the Utilita Bowl in Southampton where Southern Brave will face Welsh Fire.
The women’s fixture kicks off 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 the latest updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis of the tournament as it unfolds.