The defending champions, SunRisers Leeds, clinched a place in the women’s Hundred eliminator by defeating Manchester Super Giants by a margin of 41 runs in a decisive showdown at Old Trafford. The match, essentially a winner‑takes‑all battle for the final spot among the top three teams, saw Australian all‑rounder Annabel Sutherland deliver a spectacular unbeaten knock of 62 runs off just 36 deliveries, propelling Leeds past their rivals and setting up a forthcoming eliminator clash with Southern Brave.
Sutherland’s innings was a masterclass in power hitting and composure. She struck nine boundaries, including three towering sixes, as the SunRisers posted a formidable total of 166‑4 after being sent in to bat. The momentum she generated was crucial, especially after a brisk start from opener Phoebe Litchfield, who blasted 27 runs from only 12 balls, briefly overtaking Sophia Dunkley to lead the competition’s run‑scoring chart.
The Super Giants’ chase began with promise, but the visiting side’s spin attack quickly turned the tide. Jess Jonassen, the Australian left‑arm spinner, claimed three wickets for just 21 runs, while fellow bowlers Deepti Sharma and Sutherland each added two scalps. Manchester’s innings stalled at 125‑8, leaving them in fourth place on the ladder and ending their campaign in the tournament. Leeds, now sitting second on the table, will defend their title against Southern Brave on Friday at The Oval.
The winner of that encounter will face table‑topping Trent Rockets in the final at Lord’s on Sunday. Sutherland, who was named Match Hero, reflected on her performance: "Being an all‑rounder means you're involved in every phase of the game, and I thrive on that. This match felt like a final, and we knew we had to win.
It was great to contribute to the team’s success." After the SunRisers chose to bat, Litchfield’s aggressive intent was evident as she raced to 27 runs in just 12 balls, briefly overtaking Dunkley in the tournament’s scoring race. However, her momentum was halted when she miscued a drag down from Mady Villiers.
Despite that setback, Bryony Smith (17 off 16) and Lauren Winfield‑Hill (20 off 15) kept the scoreboard ticking, with Smith edging a delivery from Villiers for a catch and Winfield‑Hill being run‑out after a mix‑up, leaving the SunRisers at 83‑3. At this juncture, Sutherland took charge, supported by a quick cameo from Dani Gibson, who added 24 runs off 13 balls.
When Gibson fell to Villiers with just 12 balls remaining, Leeds were comfortably positioned at 119‑4. Sutherland then accelerated, guiding the side to a record 166‑4 – the highest total in the women’s Hundred competition at Emirates Old Trafford. She capped the innings by dispatching Ryana MacDonald‑Gay for three consecutive sixes, sealing the victory.
In response, the Super Giants started strongly, but Jonassen soon struck a pivotal wicket, removing Smriti Mandhana for 28 with a cleverly flighted yorker. Grave Scrivens contributed a brisk 31 from 24 balls, hitting six fours before being stumped by Winfield‑Hill off Sutherland’s bowling (2‑17). Richa Ghosh fell two deliveries later, also caught by Jonassen.
Bryce retired out after scoring 15 from 14 balls, and even veteran Meg Lanning could not find her rhythm, being bowled by Jonassen for 10. The Giants ultimately succumbed to 125‑8. The SunRisers, after a slow start to the tournament, now head into their next match on a four‑game winning streak.
Their blend of explosive batting, disciplined spin, and experienced all‑rounders positions them as strong contenders heading into the eliminator and potentially the final. Fans can continue to follow the action on Sky Sports, NOW, and various streaming platforms, with the final slated for Sunday, August 16, at Lord’s.