The defending champions, SunRisers Leeds, clinched a place in the women’s Hundred eliminator after a decisive 41‑run victory over Manchester Super Giants in a winner‑takes‑all showdown at Old Trafford. The match served as a sudden‑death qualifier for the final three positions, and Leeds’ dramatic win propelled them into the next round where they will face Southern Brave.
Leeds’ Australian all‑rounder Annabel Sutherland stole the limelight with an unbeaten 62 runs from just 36 balls, a knock that not only vaulted her side past the Super Giants but also secured her the Match Hero award. Sutherland’s innings was a masterclass in power hitting and timing; she struck nine boundaries, including three towering sixes, to steer the SunRisers to a formidable total of 166‑4 after being set the field first. Her aggressive approach set the tone early, and she continued to dominate the scoreboard even as wickets fell around her.
The visiting side’s spin attack, led by Jess Jonassen, proved equally lethal. Jonassen claimed three wickets for just 21 runs, while fellow bowlers Deepti Sharma and Sutherland each added two more dismissals to the tally.
Their disciplined bowling restricted Manchester to 125‑8 in reply, a score insufficient to chase the lofty target. The Super Giants, who had been sitting fourth in the league table, were consequently eliminated from the competition. With the win, second‑placed Leeds now move forward to defend their title against Southern Brave on Friday at The Oval.
The victor of that clash will earn the right to challenge table‑topping Trent Rockets in the final at Lord’s on Sunday. In post‑match comments, Sutherland reflected on the significance of her performance: "Being an all‑rounder means you’re involved in every phase of the game, and I thrive on that involvement. This match felt like a final, and we knew we had to win.
It feels great to deliver for the team when it matters most." Opening the innings for Leeds, fellow Australian Phoebe Litchfield announced her intentions with a blistering 27 runs off just 12 balls, catapulting her past Sophia Dunkley to become the leading run‑scorer in the competition at that point. Her rapid start set a frantic pace, though an early mis‑hit off a drag‑down from Mady Villiers halted the momentum briefly. Nonetheless, contributions from Bryony Smith (17 off 16) and Lauren Winfield‑Hill (20 off 15) kept the run rate high.
Smith was caught by Villiers off a delivery from Kathryn Bryce, while Winfield‑Hill suffered a run‑out after a brief mix‑up, leaving Leeds at 83‑3. Sutherland then took charge, supported by a fiery cameo from Dani Gibson, who added 24 runs off just 13 balls. When Gibson fell to Villiers with only 12 balls remaining, Leeds were comfortably positioned at 119‑4. Sutherland’s subsequent onslaught pushed the total to 166‑4, the highest score recorded in the women’s Hundred competition at Emirates Old Trafford.
She capped the innings by dispatching Ryana MacDonald‑Gay for three consecutive sixes, sealing a commanding total. In response, the Super Giants began positively, but Jonassen quickly turned the tide by removing Smriti Mandhana for 28 with a cleverly flighted yorker. The innings then unraveled as more wickets fell: Grave Scrivens smashed six fours in a 24‑ball 31 before being stumped by Winfield‑Hill off Sutherland’s spell (2‑17).
Richa Ghosh was dismissed two deliveries later, also caught by Jonassen. Bryce retired out after scoring 15 from 14 balls, and even the experienced Meg Lanning could not find her rhythm, falling for 10 off 15 to Jonassen’s disciplined bowling. The Super Giants ultimately managed 125‑8, well short of the target.
The victory marks a turning point for SunRisers Leeds, who had a sluggish start to the tournament but have now compiled a four‑match winning streak heading into their Friday showdown at The Oval. Their momentum, bolstered by Sutherland’s explosive batting and Jonassen’s incisive spin, suggests they are in prime position to challenge for the title. Fans can follow the remainder of the competition, including the upcoming eliminator and final, via live streams on NOW and traditional broadcasts on Sky Sports.
The tournament continues to showcase thrilling cricket, with both men’s and women’s tables updated regularly for followers. For the latest highlights, key moments, and in‑depth analysis, supporters are encouraged to stay connected through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel and other digital platforms.