SunRisers Leeds earned their place in the women’s championship match of The Hundred after edging past Southern Brave in a gripping eliminator at The Kia Oval. The contest was a classic chase, with SunRisers needing just 115 runs to win. Early on, the target seemed out of reach when they slipped to 54 for three after 47 deliveries, losing the aggressive Australian pair of Phoebe Litchfield (caught for four) and Annabel Sutherland (who struck a rapid 17 off 12 before being dismissed).
The pressure intensified further when the formidable English bowler Issy Wong, who had already claimed the tournament’s leading run‑scorer Litchfield, produced a devastating spell that reduced SunRisers to 95 for five after 78 balls, snaring two wickets in as many deliveries. Wong’s impact was decisive. In addition to removing Litchfield, she dismissed Lauren Winfield‑Hill, who had contributed a steady 37 off 37, and even trapped SunRisers captain Dani Gibson lbw on the very first ball of her innings.
Despite these setbacks, the chase was rescued by India’s Deepti Sharma, who kept her composure and guided the side home with an unbeaten 28 off 22 balls. Her measured finish ensured SunRisers crossed the line with eleven balls remaining, securing a 116‑5 victory from 89 balls and booking a slot in the final against Trent Rockets at Lord’s on Sunday.
The full scorecard reads as follows: Southern Brave 114‑7 in their 100‑ball innings, anchored by Lizelle Lee’s brisk 32 off 25, while Hannah Baker and Annabel Sutherland each claimed two wickets (2‑13 and 2‑31 respectively). SunRisers Leeds replied with 116‑5, highlighted by Winfield‑Hill’s 37, Sharma’s unbeaten 28, and Wong’s three‑for‑21 spell.
The outcome mirrored the tournament narrative – the early leaders Brave suffered a fourth consecutive defeat after an opening run of five straight wins, while SunRisers, the defending champions from the previous season when they were known as the Northern Superchargers, continued their dominant run, now boasting five successive victories heading into the final. Trent Rockets, meanwhile, have also been in fine form, winning their last six matches to sit atop the women’s table.
The eliminator began with SunRisers electing to bowl first. Lizelle Lee set the tone for Brave with a fluent 32 off 25 balls, peppered with five boundaries and a spectacular straight six off Kate Cross (who finished with figures of 1‑12). That six was the only six of the entire match.
SunRisers responded quickly when Winfield‑Hill executed a sharp stumping off Hannah Baker, delivering the first wicket of the innings. Baker also dismissed Charli Knott (who had made 25 off 21) and contributed two wickets overall. Issy Wong, already in the spotlight for her earlier breakthroughs, continued to wreak havoc, removing Litchfield to leave the score at 13‑2 after just 17 balls. Brave’s bowling attack, featuring a host of international talent, kept SunRisers within touching distance.
Lauren Bell was economical, conceding just 14 runs in her opening ten balls and claiming the early wicket of Bryony Smith (2). However, Wong’s relentless spell soon turned the tide, and despite a brief resurgence by Sutherland—who added a breezy 17 off 12 before falling to Sarah Glenn (1‑25)—SunRisers found themselves needing 20 runs from the final 22 balls.
At this critical juncture, Sharma and Australian all‑rounder Jess Jonassen (who contributed a quickfire 10 not out from five balls) steadied the ship. Their partnership, combined with disciplined hitting from the lower order, propelled SunRisers to the finish line.
Post‑match analysis from Sky Sports Cricket’s Natalie Germanos highlighted the narrow escape: "SunRisers showed a small hiccup at the end, 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 didn’t get many things wrong today." Brave’s Meerkat Match Hero Hannah Baker reflected on the nerves of the chase: "I’ve never been so nervous in my life.
It felt great to get over the line. With the power we have, we were confident we could chase, and the spin helped. I talked to Jonassen and she told me to just hit my length, which I did.
Now we just need to relax and get ready for the next game." Looking ahead, SunRisers Leeds will meet Trent Rockets in the women’s final at Lord’s on August 16. The final is scheduled for 2:15 pm, with the men’s championship following at 6:00 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Fans can also stream the action on NOW, which offers contract‑free coverage of The Hundred.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to a season that has showcased high‑octane batting, incisive spin, and dramatic finishes, and SunRisers will be eager to defend their title against a Rockets side that has been on a six‑match winning streak. For those following the tournament, additional content includes highlight reels, in‑depth podcasts, and live commentary.
Sky Sports continues to provide comprehensive coverage, from match‑day video streams (optimised for Chrome browsers) to expert analysis and behind‑the‑scenes interviews. As the excitement builds toward the final weekend, both teams will be scrutinising every detail—from pitch conditions to player form—to ensure they are fully prepared for what promises to be a memorable climax to The Hundred’s women’s competition.