SunRisers Leeds secured a decisive victory that sent Birmingham Phoenix packing from the men’s side of The Hundred, mirroring the fate of the Phoenix women’s squad earlier in the tournament. The win propelled the Leeds side up to second place on the league table, thanks to a substantial swing in net run rate, while Birmingham became the second men’s franchise to be knocked out, following London Spirit's triumph the previous night. From the outset, SunRisers Leeds proved too strong for the home side. Their opening pair, Mitchell Marsh and Ryan Rickelton, once again set a blistering tone, racing to 52 runs off just 32 balls.
The partnership was briefly broken when Marsh adopted a cautious approach against Usman Tariq, the only Phoenix bowler who managed to claim any credit despite leaking 17 runs in his final five deliveries. Harry Brook offered a fleeting flick of resistance, but Tariq caught him in front, and the momentum shifted firmly to the visitors. The Leeds innings then settled into a slightly slower tempo as Rickelton found himself on the back foot, receiving fewer deliveries.
He was eventually run out on the 93rd ball of the innings after a quickfire 65 from 37 balls. The final three balls produced two sixes, allowing SunRisers to post a total that felt comfortably defendable.
Birmingham Phoenix, aware that a win was essential to keep any hope of climbing into the qualification spots, were quickly reminded of the challenge ahead. Brydon Carse opened the bowling spell with three wickets for 17 runs, removing Mitchell Owen early, while Matthew Potts followed with figures of three for 22, dismissing Will Smeed. Carse also trapped Rehan Ahmed for a duck, making the game appear almost decided before the powerplay concluded. Despite the early setbacks, Phoenix batsmen Joe Clarke and Sean Dickson attempted to stave off the inevitable, and Jordan Thompson added a couple of late sixes.
However, the quality of SunRisers' bowling attack shone through, and the Phoenix fell short by 45 runs. Both England quick bowlers, Carse and Potts, finished with impressive three-wicket hauls while maintaining excellent economy rates.
Leg‑spinner Abrar Ahmed also contributed, conceding less than a run per ball. After the match, SunRisers' star Ryan Rickelton, who was named Meerkat Match Hero, spoke to Sky Sports Cricket: "It’s getting tight at the top, so it was nice to get a big net run rate win here.
Mitch [Marsh] takes quite an aggressive route up front really early on and he allows me to cruise behind him. I'd much rather play with him than against him!
We left about 10 or 20 out there... but the bowlers are really carrying us through at the moment and hopefully that will continue." The result reshapes the upcoming schedule for the remaining teams. On Saturday, August 8, MI London will face Trent Rockets at The Kia Oval, with the women’s game at 11:00 and the men’s at 14:30.
Later that day, Southern Brave take on Manchester Super Giants at the Utilita Bowl, again with the women’s fixture at 14:30 and the men’s at 18:00. Sunday, August 9, features SunRisers Leeds against Welsh Fire at Headingley (women 11:00, men 14:30) and London Spirit versus Birmingham Phoenix at Lord's (women 14:30, men 18:00). The action continues on Monday, August 10, when Trent Rockets host Southern Brave at Trent Bridge (women 15:00, men 18:30), followed by Tuesday, August 11, when Manchester Super Giants meet SunRisers Leeds at Emirates Old Trafford (women 15:00, men 18:30). Wednesday, August 12, sees Welsh Fire play London Spirit at Sophia Gardens (women 11:30, men 15:00) and Birmingham Phoenix host MI London at Edgbaston (women 15:00, men 18:30).
The eliminators are slated for Friday, August 14, with a reserve day on Saturday, August 15. Finally, the finals are scheduled for Sunday, August 16, with a reserve day on Monday, August 17. All matches, including the climactic finals, will be streamed live on NOW, offering fans a contract‑free way to follow every moment of The Hundred.