MI London kicked off their quest for a fourth straight Hundred championship with a dominant seven‑wicket win over SunRisers Leeds at The Kia Oval, setting the tone for a newly rebranded tournament. The 2026 edition of The Hundred arrived with fresh team names, updated kits and a surge of overseas investment, yet the core of MI London – formerly the Oval Invincibles – remained steadfast, delivering a performance that underscored their status as defending champions. Chasing a target of 144 runs, MI London’s innings was anchored by a spectacular partnership between Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran. Curran, the all‑rounder, smashed 60 runs off just 39 balls, while Pooran contributed a rapid 58 from only 22 deliveries.
Together they forged a 93‑run stand for the fourth wicket, effectively neutralising the early setbacks caused by the dismissals of Will Jacks and Jason Roy. Their aggressive on‑field approach allowed the side to seal the victory with 16 balls still remaining in the allotted 20‑over spell. SunRisers Leeds had posted 143 runs from their full 99 balls, thanks to a blistering display from Mitchell Marsh, who struck 41 runs off 27 balls, and Ryan Rickelton, who added 25 off 16.
Both batsmen displayed power hitting, with Rickelton launching three sixes in quick succession. However, the momentum shifted when Richard Gleeson produced a disciplined spell, taking four wickets for 25 runs, including the crucial wicket of Sam Curran, who was trapped lbw by a slower ball – a signature delivery of Curran’s own repertoire.
The SunRisers lineup also featured England white‑ball captain Harry Brook, who entered as a replacement but survived only seven deliveries before falling to Rashid Khan’s eighth‑ball delivery after a six off Nathan Sowter. The early loss of Brook added pressure on the SunRisers, and despite Marsh’s attempts to stabilise the innings with three fours and three sixes, he too fell to a well‑timed slower ball from Tom Curran, caught by Sam at cover.
With captain Zak Crawley contributing a brisk 13 off 11, the SunRisers relied heavily on Tom Alsop, who scored a quickfire 31 off 18 balls to bring the total to a respectable 143. Gleeson’s final wicket, that of Nathan Ellis, wrapped up the innings with a single ball to spare, leaving the SunRisers just short of the target. In response, MI London’s opening bowler Brydon Carse made an immediate impact, removing both Will Jacks and Jason Roy with his sixth and eighth deliveries, respectively, causing a brief wobble in the chase.
However, James Vince’s dismissal by Nathan Ellis was quickly compensated for when Pooran and Curran steadied the ship. Their partnership, built on a rapid 50‑run stand in just 23 balls, shifted the game decisively in MI London’s favour. Curran reached his half‑century in 34 balls, showcasing a blend of power and precision, while Pooran accelerated even faster, hitting his fifty in just 19 balls. The duo combined for ten fours and eight sixes, a display of sheer hitting prowess that left the opposition with little chance of a comeback.
Their partnership not only secured the win but also highlighted the depth of talent within MI London’s ranks. After the match, MI London captain Sam Curran reflected on his role and the team’s performance: "I spent some time last season 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 with the bat and the ball. There are so many great voices in the dressing room, and it’s wonderful to start a tournament on a high note." Nicholas Pooran, named the Meerkat Match Hero, shared his perspective: "I came in and did exactly what I needed to do.
We tried to stay positive, hit a few boundaries, and keep the partnership alive. Scoring runs builds confidence, but winning games matters more to me, and I’m happy we got off to a strong start at home." The opening day of the Hundred also featured a double‑header in Southampton’s Utilita Bowl, where Southern Brave faced Welsh Fire. The women’s fixture began at 2:45 pm, followed by the men’s match at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Fans were encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis of the tournament. Overall, MI London’s victory demonstrated their ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of The Hundred while maintaining the core strengths that have made them champions.
Their blend of experienced leadership, explosive batting, and disciplined bowling set a benchmark for the rest of the competition, promising an exciting season ahead for supporters and neutrals alike.