SunRisers Leeds earned their place in the Women’s Hundred final by edging out Southern Brave in a dramatic eliminator clash at The Kia Oval. The match was a roller‑coaster, with SunRisers posting a modest target of 115 runs and then defending it under intense pressure. After a shaky start that saw them wobble at 54 for three wickets, the Leeds side rallied, thanks largely to a composed innings from India’s Deepti Sharma, who finished unbeaten on 28 runs off just 22 balls. Her calm finishing knock guided SunRisers to a five‑wicket win with eleven balls remaining, securing a showdown with Trent Rockets at Lord's on Sunday.
**Early innings and the chase** Southern Brave began their innings positively, with Lizelle Lee providing a solid foundation. Lee struck 32 runs from 25 deliveries, peppering the boundary rope with five fours and a towering six off Kate Cross that was the sole maximum of the match. However, the Brave’s momentum was halted when SunRisers wicket‑keeper Lauren Winfield‑Hill executed a brilliant stumping off the bowling of Hannah Baker, delivering the first breakthrough. Baker, who would finish with figures of 2 for 13, also dismissed Charli Knott, further tightening the net around the Brave batting line‑up.
The turning point arrived when England’s spin sensation Issy Wong made a decisive impact. After earlier removing the tournament’s leading run‑scorer Phoebe Litchfield, Wong produced a spell of two wickets in two balls, reducing SunRisers to 95 for five after 78 deliveries. Her figures of 3 for 21 proved crucial, especially when she later dismissed captain Dani Gibson LBW on the very first ball she faced in the second innings.
Despite these setbacks, SunRisers managed to keep the required run rate within reach. **Deepti Sharma’s composure** When the pressure mounted, it was Deepti Sharma who steadied the ship. Coming in at a precarious juncture, she played a fearless 28 not out, striking at a strike rate of 127. Her innings featured a mix of aggressive boundary hitting and smart singles, allowing SunRisers to inch closer to the target with each ball.
Partnering her was Lauren Winfield‑Hill, who contributed a quickfire 37 off 37 balls, anchoring the chase and ensuring the required runs were chased down without a frantic slog. **Bowling highlights** Issy Wong emerged as the standout bowler for SunRisers, claiming three wickets for just 21 runs. Her early dismissal of Litchfield set the tone, and her subsequent breakthroughs kept the Brave under constant threat.
Hannah Baker also impressed with her disciplined spell, taking two wickets for 13 runs, while Australian pacer Annabel Sutherland added two for 31, showcasing the depth of SunRisers’ bowling attack. On the Brave side, Kate Cross was the only bowler to register a six, but she also bowled a tight spell, conceding only 12 runs for her solitary wicket. Lauren Bell, another key bowler for the Brave, delivered an economical spell of 1 for 14, including the early wicket of Bryony Smith.
**Statistical snapshot** - Southern Brave 114/7 (100 balls): Lizelle Lee 32 (25), Hannah Baker 2/13, Annabel Sutherland 2/31 - SunRisers Leeds 116/5 (89 balls): Lauren Winfield‑Hill 37 (37), Deepti Sharma 28* (22), Issy Wong 3/21 The result aligned with the tournament’s form guide. The Brave, who had started the competition with a perfect five‑win run, suffered their fourth consecutive loss, while SunRisers, the defending champions (previously known as Northern Superchargers), continued their impressive run of 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 reflections** Sky Sports Cricket analyst Natalie Germanos noted, "SunRisers had a small hiccup at the end – those are mistakes they can’t afford in a final, especially against a side like Trent Rockets.
They need to read the conditions carefully, but overall they executed most of their plans well today." Meerkat Match Hero Hannah Baker shared her emotions with Sky Sports, saying, "I’ve never been so nervous in my entire life during a chase! It feels amazing to get over the line. With the power we have, we always believed we could chase it, and the spin we got today helped a lot. I talked to Jess Jonassen, and she told me to just hit my length – that’s exactly what I did.
Now we just need to relax and get ready for the next game." **Looking ahead** SunRisers Leeds will face Trent Rockets in the Women’s Hundred final at Lord’s on Sunday, 16 August. The final is scheduled for 2:15 pm, with the men’s final following at 6:00 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.
Fans can also stream the match on NOW, provided they use a Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. The journey to the final has highlighted SunRisers’ resilience, depth in both batting and bowling, and their ability to perform under pressure.
With Sharma’s calm finishing ability, Wong’s wicket‑taking prowess, and the experience of players like Winfield‑Hill, Leeds enters the final as a well‑balanced side ready to defend their title against a high‑flying Rockets lineup. The stage is set for a thrilling climax to The Hundred women’s season.