MI London kicked off their campaign for a fourth straight Hundred championship with a dominant seven‑wicket triumph over SunRisers Leeds at The Kia Oval, setting the tone for a freshly rebranded tournament. The 2026 edition of The Hundred arrived with new names, fresh kits and a wave of overseas investment, yet the core of MI London – now operating under a new banner after previously being the Oval Invincibles – stayed true to its winning formula. Chasing a target of 144 runs, the defending champions lost early wickets of Will Jacks and Jason Roy but quickly recovered thanks to a blistering partnership between Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran.
Curran, who struck 60 runs off just 39 balls, and Pooran, who added 58 runs from a mere 22 deliveries, stitched together a 93‑run fourth‑wicket stand that propelled MI London to a comfortable finish with 16 balls to spare. **SunRisers Leeds innings** SunRisers Leeds were bowled out for 143 runs in their allotted 99 balls. The innings was anchored by the aggressive stroke‑play of Mitchell Marsh, who smashed 41 runs off 27 balls, and Ryan Rickelton, who contributed 25 runs from just 16 deliveries.
Tom Alsop added a quick 31 off 18 balls, but the team's momentum was halted by the incisive spell of MI London pacer Richard Gleeson, who claimed four wickets for 25 runs. Sam Curran also chipped in with two wickets for 27 runs, helping to keep the total within reach. **MI London chase** In response, MI London paced their chase to 144 for the loss of three wickets in just 84 balls.
The cornerstone of the chase was the explosive partnership between Curran and Pooran. After early breakthroughs by Brydon Carse, who removed Jacks and Roy in quick succession, the innings seemed shaky. However, James Vince fell to Nathan Ellis, and the pair of Curran and Pooran steadied the ship.
Their 50‑run stand came off just 23 balls, featuring ten fours and eight sixes, and effectively sealed the match. Curran reached his half‑century in 34 balls, while Pooran accelerated even faster, hitting his fifty in 19 balls. Their aggressive intent left MI London with plenty of overs left and a comfortable cushion to see the game out. **Key moments and player insights** - **Sam Curran (captain)** reflected on his role, noting the experience he gained from captaining Surrey in the Blast and the ILT20: "I did a little bit last year trying to work on things and it helps that I have captained for Surrey in the Blast and in the ILT20.
I feel I can read the game quite well and that I can anchor run chases. I think I read the game well as I bowl. But I don't feel like a captain as there are so many good voices. I have so many great brains around and it is nice to start a tournament well." - **Nicholas Pooran**, named the Meerkat Match Hero, emphasized the importance of positivity and finishing partnerships: "I came in and did exactly what I needed to do.
We just tried to stay as positive as we could. It was all about hitting a few boundaries and trying to take the partnership all the way to the end. Scoring runs gives you confidence but winning games is more important to me and I am happy we got off to the right start at home." **SunRisers' early burst** Rickelton opened the innings with three sixes, building a 40‑run opening partnership with Marsh before being dismissed lbw by Curran's signature slower ball.
England white‑ball captain Harry Brook, who replaced him, lasted only seven deliveries before Rashid Khan claimed his wicket after Brook attempted a six off Nathan Sowter. Marsh tried to steady the innings, hitting three fours and three sixes, but a well‑timed slower ball from Tom Curran was caught by Sam at cover, ending his effort.
With captain Zak Crawley contributing a brisk 13 off 11 balls, the innings relied heavily on Tom Alsop's quickfire 31 off 18 to push the total to a respectable 143. **Bowling highlights** Brydon Carse opened the MI London chase with an aggressive spell, taking the wickets of Jacks and Roy within his first eight deliveries, momentarily unsettling the chase. However, Ellis's wicket of James Vince turned the tide, allowing Curran and Pooran to consolidate.
**Looking ahead** The next Hundred double‑header will be played at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, featuring Southern Brave versus Welsh Fire. The women's fixture starts at 2:45 pm, followed by the men's match at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Overall, MI London's blend of seasoned leadership, explosive batting, and disciplined bowling ensured a smooth opening victory, reinforcing their status as the team to beat in the 2026 Hundred season.