SunRisers Leeds earned their place in the women's final of The Hundred by edging out Southern Brave in a nail‑biting eliminator at The Kia Oval. The match, which unfolded as a tense chase of a modest target of 115 runs, saw SunRisers recover from two precarious moments before clinching a five‑wicket win with eleven balls to spare, setting up a showdown with Trent Rockets at Lord's on Sunday. The game began with SunRisers opting to field first.
Southern Brave got off to a solid start thanks to Lizelle Lee, who smashed a brisk 32 off 25 deliveries, peppered with five boundaries and a towering straight six off Kate Cross – the only six of the entire encounter. However, the early momentum was halted when SunRisers wicket‑keeper Lauren Winfield‑Hill produced a spectacular stumping off the bowling of Hannah Baker, delivering the first breakthrough for Leeds. Brave’s middle order soon stumbled.
Baker, who had already claimed two wickets for 13 runs, dismissed Charli Knott, while the leg‑spinner from SunRisers, Issy Wong, began to make her presence felt. Wong’s spell was a turning point: she removed the tournament’s leading run‑scorer, Phoebe Litchfield, and then quickly followed with the wicket of Annabel Sutherland, leaving the Brave at 54 for three after just 47 balls.
The pressure intensified when Wong struck twice in two balls later in the innings, reducing the visitors to 95 for five and leaving them teetering at 13 for two after only 17 deliveries. Despite the setbacks, Brave managed to post a total of 114 for seven in their allotted 100 balls, with Lee’s 32 the top score and a useful cameo from Lauren Winfield‑Hill, who contributed 37 off 37 before being bowled by Wong. The innings also featured a run‑out of Wong herself on the final ball, the only dismissal not credited to spin.
When SunRisers began their chase, the required run rate hovered just above eight runs per over. Early wickets threatened their progress, but the partnership between England’s Deepti Sharma and Australia’s Jess Jonassen steadied the ship. Sharma, who had earlier taken a wicket herself, played a composed innings of 28 not out from 22 balls, while Jonassen added a quickfire 10‑run blitz off five deliveries. Their composure allowed SunRisers to keep the scoreboard ticking, and they eventually reached 116 for five in 89 balls, surpassing the target with eleven balls remaining.
Key figures for SunRisers included Lauren Winfield‑Hill’s 37, which anchored the innings, and Issy Wong’s impressive three‑for‑21 spell, which earned her a place among the tournament’s leading wicket‑takers. For Brave, Hannah Baker’s two‑for‑13 and Annabel Sutherland’s two‑for‑31 were highlights, but they fell short of containing the Leeds side.
The result mirrored the form guide of the competition: Brave, who had started the tournament with an unbeaten five‑match run, suffered their fourth consecutive loss. SunRisers, defending champions from the previous season (when they were known as Northern Superchargers), continued their impressive run, now boasting five straight victories heading into the final. Trent Rockets, who have won six of their last seven matches, sit atop the women’s table and will be a formidable opponent.
Post‑match analysis from Sky Sports’ Natalie Germanos noted that SunRisers displayed a minor lapse at the end of the chase, a mistake they cannot afford in a final against a side as potent as the Rockets. She emphasized the importance of reading the conditions and maintaining discipline throughout the game. Meerkat Match Hero Hannah Baker reflected on the pressure of the chase, describing it as the most nervous moment of her career.
She praised the team’s confidence and the strategic advice from Jess Jonassen, who urged her to focus on playing her length. Baker’s calmness under pressure contributed to the team’s overall performance, even though they fell short. 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 2:15 pm, followed by the men’s final at 6:00 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.
Fans can also stream the action on NOW, provided they use a Chrome browser for the best video experience. The journey to the final has highlighted SunRisers’ resilience and depth. Their ability to recover from early wickets, combined with decisive contributions from both seasoned internationals and emerging talent, positions them as a strong contender for the title. As the team prepares for the climactic encounter at the iconic Lord’s ground, they will look to fine‑tune their strategies, adapt to the pitch conditions, and harness the momentum built over the past six matches.
The Hundred continues to showcase a blend of explosive batting, incisive bowling, and high‑octane fielding, offering a fresh, fast‑paced format that has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. With the women’s final just around the corner, the excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for a memorable conclusion to this season’s tournament.