SunRisers Leeds earned their place in the Women’s Hundred final by edging out Southern Brave in a gripping eliminator clash at The Kia Oval. The match unfolded as a classic chase, with SunRisers posting a modest target of 115 runs. Early on, the chase looked shaky when they found themselves 54 for 3 after 47 deliveries, having lost both members of their aggressive Australian pair—Phoebe Litchfield, who contributed four runs, and Annabel Sutherland, who had smashed 17 runs off just 12 balls. The pressure intensified further when the promising English bowler Issy Wong struck twice in two balls, reducing the side to 95 for 5 after 78 deliveries.
Wong, who earlier dismissed the tournament’s leading run‑scorer Litchfield, also claimed the wicket of Lauren Winfield‑Hill (who had scored a steady 37 off 37) and trapped captain Dani Gibson LBW on the very first ball she faced. Despite the setbacks, India’s Deepti Sharma kept her composure. Her unbeaten 28 runs from 22 balls proved decisive, guiding SunRisers across the finish line with eleven balls to spare and securing their spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.
The final scoreline read Southern Brave 114 for 7 in their full quota of 100 balls, with Lizelle Lee top‑scoring with 32 off 25. For SunRisers, Lauren Winfield‑Hill added a well‑timed 37, while Sharma’s unbeaten 28 anchored the chase.
Wong finished with impressive figures of 3 for 21. The outcome was consistent with the tournament narrative: the early leaders, Brave, suffered their fourth consecutive defeat after an opening run of five straight wins.
SunRisers, who entered the competition as defending champions—having lifted the trophy last season under the moniker Northern Superchargers—have now amassed five consecutive victories heading into the final. Their opponents, Trent Rockets, have also been in scintillating form, winning six matches in a row to sit atop the women’s table. The eliminator began with SunRisers winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
Lizelle Lee gave Brave a solid start, crafting a 32‑run innings off 25 balls that featured five boundaries and a spectacular six straight down the pitch off Kate Cross (who recorded figures of 1 for 12). This six was the sole maximum of the entire match.
The turning point arrived when SunRisers wicket‑keeper Lauren Winfield‑Hill executed a sharp stumping of the South African batter, providing the opening breakthrough and setting the tone for the ensuing spell. Hannah Baker, the Brave bowler, claimed the wicket of Charli Knott (who had made 25 off 21) and later removed Litchfield, contributing to a total of 2 for 13. Meanwhile, SunRisers bowler Issy Wong continued to wreak havoc, cleaning up the top order and leaving Brave reeling at 13 for 2 after just 17 balls. The Australian all‑rounder Annabel Sutherland added a brisk 17 off 12 before falling to Sarah Glenn (who finished with 1 for 25).
As the chase progressed, SunRisers required 20 runs from the final 22 balls. Sharma, supported by Jess Jonassen (who delivered a quickfire 10 runs off 5 balls), steadied the ship and saw the side home with a comfortable margin.
Post‑match analysis from Sky Sports' Natalie Germanos highlighted a minor lapse in SunRisers’ closing stages, noting that such errors could be costly in a final against a potent Trent Rockets side. She advised the team to remain vigilant about reading the conditions, but praised their overall performance throughout the day. Meerkat Match Hero Hannah Baker reflected on the chase, admitting she had never felt as nervous as she did during the final overs. She credited her teammates for maintaining confidence and appreciated the spin support she received, especially after a helpful conversation with Jonassen about playing the length.
Baker concluded by urging the squad to relax and prepare for the upcoming final. SunRisers Leeds will now meet Trent Rockets in the Women’s Hundred final at Lord’s on Sunday, 16 August. The women's 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 the NOW platform, where the tournament is available contract‑free.
The stage is set for another thrilling encounter as SunRisers aim to defend their title against a Rockets side that has been in blistering form all season.