SunRisers Leeds earned the right to contest the women's final of The Hundred after a gripping five‑wicket triumph over Southern Brave in the eliminator at The Kia Oval. Chasing a modest target of 115 runs, SunRisers found themselves in a precarious position early on, slipping to 54 for three after just 47 deliveries when their explosive Australian pair, Phoebe Litchfield (four runs) and Annabel Sutherland (17 off 12 balls), were both dismissed. The pressure intensified further when the innings stood at 95 for five after 78 balls, following a dramatic spell by the promising bowler Issy Wong, who claimed two wickets in two consecutive balls, finishing with figures of three for 21. Wong had already made a significant impact earlier by removing tournament‑leading run‑scorer Litchfield, and she continued her dominance by trapping Lauren Winfield‑Hill (who had contributed a steady 37 off 37) and dismissing SunRisers captain Dani Gibson LBW on the very first ball she faced.
Despite these setbacks, India’s Deepti Sharma kept her composure, playing a calm and decisive innings of an unbeaten 28 off 22 balls. Her partnership with the lower‑order batters ensured SunRisers crossed the finish line with eleven balls remaining, sealing a 116‑5 victory from 89 balls and booking a place in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.
The match summary reads as follows: Southern Brave were bowled out for 114‑7 in their full 100‑ball allotment, with Lizelle Lee top‑scoring with 32 off 25 balls. For SunRisers, Lauren Winfield‑Hill contributed a solid 37, while Deepti Sharma’s 28 not out proved decisive. Issy Wong’s three‑wicket haul capped a day of disciplined bowling for the Leeds side.
The result aligned with the tournament’s form guide. The Brave, who had started the competition with an unbeaten five‑match streak, suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, while SunRisers, the defending champions (having won the previous year under the name Northern Superchargers), continued their impressive run of five straight wins heading into the final. Their opponents, Trent Rockets, have also been in scintillating form, securing victories in their last six games to sit atop the women’s table. Earlier in the eliminator, after winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Southern Brave’s opening batter Lizelle Lee provided a solid platform, scoring 32 off 25 balls, which included five boundaries and a spectacular straight six off Kate Cross (who recorded figures of 1‑12).
That six was the only maximum hit in the entire match. The turning point arrived when Winfield‑Hill executed a stunning stumping of the South African batter, breaking the opening partnership and giving the Brave their first wicket.
Hannah Baker, who finished with figures of 2‑13, also claimed the wicket of Charli Knott (who had made 25 off 21). Meanwhile, SunRisers’ spin attack, led by Issy Wong, continued to apply pressure, with Wong joining the tournament’s joint‑top wicket‑takers with her three‑for‑21 spell. Annabel Sutherland added two wickets late in the innings, taking them in consecutive deliveries. Brave’s bowling attack, featuring a strong contingent of international bowlers, kept the match competitive.
Lauren Bell’s economical spell of 1‑14, which included the early dismissal of Bryony Smith, helped restrict SunRisers’ scoring rate. However, Wong’s early breakthroughs – removing Litchfield and later Litchfield again to leave the score at 13‑2 after 17 balls – set the tone for the chase. Sutherland’s quickfire 17 off 12 balls gave SunRisers a brief surge before she fell to Sarah Glenn (1‑25). Winfield‑Hill appeared poised to deliver a match‑winning innings, but Wong’s double strike brought her back into the hunt for a hat‑trick.
At that juncture, SunRisers required 20 runs from the remaining 22 balls. Sharma, supported by Jess Jonassen’s rapid 10‑run cameo off just five deliveries, steered the side home, ensuring a comfortable win and a place in the final. Post‑match analysis from Sky Sports’ Natalie Germanos highlighted a minor lapse at the end of the innings, noting that “those are mistakes they can’t afford in a final, especially against Trent Rockets,” but praised the overall discipline and adaptability shown by SunRisers throughout the day.
Meerkat Match Hero Hannah Baker reflected on the pressure of the chase, saying, “I’ve never been so nervous in my entire life. It’s great to get over the line.
With the power we have, we were confident we could chase it, and the spin we got helped us.” She also mentioned a helpful tip from teammate Jess Jonassen: “She told me to just hit my length – that’s what I did.” Looking ahead, SunRisers Leeds will meet Trent Rockets in the women’s final at Lord’s on Sunday, 16 August. The final is scheduled for a 2:15 pm kickoff, followed by the men’s final at 6 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Fans can also stream the action via NOW, which offers contract‑free access to The Hundred’s key moments and highlights.
In summary, SunRisers’ blend of resilient batting, incisive spin bowling, and strategic field placements allowed them to overcome early setbacks and secure a place in the championship decider. Their journey reflects a combination of experience, youthful exuberance, and tactical acumen, setting the stage for an exciting showdown against the high‑flying Trent Rockets at the historic Lord’s ground.