The defending champions, SunRisers Leeds, clinched a place in the women's Hundred eliminator by outclassing Manchester Super Giants with a 41‑run victory in a decisive showdown at Old Trafford. The match, effectively a winner‑takes‑all contest for the final berth among the top three teams, saw Australian all‑rounder Annabel Sutherland dominate the proceedings, delivering an unbeaten 62 runs off just 36 balls. Her explosive innings propelled Leeds past their rivals and set up a forthcoming eliminator clash against Southern Brave.
Sutherland’s knock was a masterclass in power hitting; she struck nine boundaries, including three towering sixes, as the SunRisers posted a formidable total of 166 for 4 after being put into bat. The target proved too steep for the visiting Super Giants, who were bowled out for 125 for 8, ending their campaign in fourth place on the league table. Key contributions with the ball came from spinner Jess Jonassen, who claimed three wickets for 21 runs, while Deepti Sharma and Sutherland each added two more dismissals to the tally.
With the win, second‑placed Leeds will continue their title defence against Southern Brave on Friday at The Oval. The victor of that encounter will then face table‑topping Trent Rockets in the final scheduled for Sunday at Lord's. Match Hero Annabel Sutherland reflected on her performance, saying, "Being an all‑rounder means you’re involved in every phase of the game, and I love that.
This felt like a final, and we had to win – it was great to deliver for the team." Her sentiment captured the intensity of a match that felt more like a championship decider than a regular league fixture. Opening batter Phoebe Litchfield also made a strong statement when SunRisers elected to bat first.
The young Australian smashed 27 runs from just 12 deliveries, catapulting herself past Sophia Dunkley to lead the competition’s run‑scoring charts. Litchfield’s aggressive start set the tone, although her innings was cut short after a miscued drag down from Mady Villiers.
Nonetheless, her rapid scoring helped maintain the momentum that saw the SunRisers reach a record‑breaking total. Support from the middle order was crucial. Bryony Smith contributed 17 runs off 16 balls, while Lauren Winfield‑Hill added 20 off 15, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. A pivotal partnership emerged when Sutherland took charge, bolstered by a fiery cameo from Dani Gibson, who scored 24 runs from just 13 balls.
Gibson’s dismissal by Villiers with only 12 balls remaining left Leeds at 119 for 4, but Sutherland’s continued aggression pushed the total to 166 for 4 – the highest score ever recorded in the women's Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford. She capped the innings by sending Ryana MacDonald‑Gay for three consecutive sixes, sealing the formidable target. In response, the Super Giants began brightly but soon lost momentum when Jonassen dismissed Smriti Mandhana for 28 with a cleverly flighted yorker. Grave Scrivens then struck six fours in a rapid 24‑ball 31, only to be stumped by Winfield‑Hill off Sutherland’s bowling (2‑17).
Richa Ghosh fell two deliveries later, also caught by Jonassen. Bryce retired out after a quick 15 from 14 balls, and even former captain Meg Lanning could not find her rhythm, being bowled by Jonassen for 10. The Super Giants ultimately succumbed to 125 for 8, ending their tournament run.
The SunRisers’ victory marks the continuation of a four‑match winning streak that followed a sluggish start to the season. Their resurgence has positioned them as serious contenders heading into the crucial eliminator against Southern Brave, with the ultimate aim of challenging Trent Rockets in the final.
Fans can follow every match of The Hundred up to the Sunday final on August 16 via the NOW streaming service, which offers contract‑free access. The tournament’s excitement has been amplified by live coverage on Sky Sports and additional content available through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, delivering the latest news, video highlights, and expert analysis.
Overall, Leeds’ blend of explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and strategic fielding demonstrated why they remain the team to beat. Their ability to recover from early setbacks, adapt to pressure situations, and execute game‑changing moments—exemplified by Sutherland’s heroics and Litchfield’s rapid rise up the run‑scoring list—highlights a squad in peak form.
As the Hundred progresses toward its climax, the SunRisers’ momentum suggests they will be a formidable force in the upcoming eliminator and potentially the championship final.