Annabel Sutherland smashed an unbeaten 62 off just 36 balls to power Sunrisers Leeds into Friday’s Eliminator, as her side beat Manchester Super Giants by 41 runs in a winner-takes-all clash at Emirates Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The Australian all-rounder’s blistering knock, combined with two wickets and two catches, ensured Sunrisers stormed past the Super Giants and set up a play-off meeting with Southern Brave at The Kia Oval, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final against Trent Rockets at Lord’s.
Sunrisers Build Platform Before Sutherland’s Onslaught
Sunrisers batted first and got off to a flying start through Phoebe Litchfield, who raced to 27 off just 12 deliveries before holing out off Mady Villiers. Her innings pushed her past Sophia Dunkley to the top of the competition’s run-scoring charts. Bryony Smith and Lauren Winfield-Hill kept the momentum going, adding brisk runs before both fell in quick succession to leave Sunrisers at 83 for 3.
That’s when Sutherland took over. She anchored the innings with support from Dani Gibson, who struck 24 off 13 balls, and then exploded in the final overs, hitting three consecutive sixes off Ryana MacDonald-Gay to lift Sunrisers to 166 for 4. It stands as the highest total recorded in the women’s Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford.
Sutherland’s All-Round Show Seals Super Giants’ Fate
Chasing 167, the Super Giants opened aggressively, but Jess Jonassen struck early to remove Smriti Mandhana for 28 with a well-flighted yorker. Grace Scrivens fought back with six boundaries in her 31-run knock before Sutherland had her stumped, and Richa Ghosh departed two balls later, caught off Jonassen.
Kathryn Bryce retired out after scoring 15, while Meg Lanning struggled for timing and managed only 10 off 15 balls before Jonassen bowled her. The Super Giants never recovered the required rate and finished at 125 for 8, handing Sunrisers a comfortable 41-run win. Jonassen finished with 3 for 21, while Sutherland picked up 2 for 17 to complete a dominant all-round display.
Fourth Straight Win Extends Sunrisers’ Momentum
The victory marks Sunrisers Leeds’ fourth consecutive win. It is a sharp turnaround after a sluggish start to the tournament. The result also eliminated the Super Giants, who suffered their third straight defeat on home turf.
Speaking after the match, Sutherland said the team knew what was at stake and stayed composed despite an aggressive start from the opposition. “We had to win, and it was nice to do a job for the team,” she said, adding that the group had prepared for a tough fight and focused on staying calm under pressure.
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Sunrisers Eye Title Defence After Dominant Display
With the win, Sunrisers Leeds now turn their attention to Friday’s Eliminator against Southern Brave, chasing a spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s. The franchise, which won the title last year as Northern Superchargers, looks in ominous form heading into the knockout stage.
Sutherland’s all-round brilliance, backed by Jonassen’s bowling and useful contributions from Litchfield and Gibson, has given the side genuine momentum at the business end of the competition.
For Manchester Super Giants, the loss brings a disappointing campaign to a close, with questions now expected over their batting fragility under pressure through the tournament.
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