Sunrisers Leeds started the 2026 Women’s Hundred season with a dominant seven-wicket victory over MI London. The match took place on 21 July 2026 at the Kia Oval in London and marked the beginning of a new era for the tournament.
While the visitors celebrated a successful title defence start, an injury to star bowler Kate Cross overshadowed the result. The England pacer left the field in visible pain after hurting her shoulder during a dive in the outfield.
Sunrisers Leeds Secure Opening Day Victory
Sunrisers Leeds, formerly known as the Northern Superchargers, proved why they are the defending champions. They successfully chased a target of 108 runs with 31 balls to spare. Captain Dani Gibson won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that eventually paid off despite a strong start from the home side.
MI London, previously called the Oval Invincibles, reached 56-0 after 37 balls. However, the Sunrisers bowlers fought back brilliantly to limit them to 107-8 from their 100 balls. India all-rounder Deepti Sharma broke the opening stand by dismissing Hayley Matthews for 33.
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Kate Cross Injury Update and Match Impact
The most significant concern for Sunrisers Leeds remains the fitness of Kate Cross. The veteran bowler suffered a shoulder injury on the 74th ball of the first innings. Specifically, she dived to her left at extra-cover to stop a ball but landed awkwardly. The team physio immediately rushed onto the pitch as Cross clutched her shoulder in pain.
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She eventually walked off the field and played no further part in the match. Although she did not bowl her full quota of balls, Cross contributed two excellent catches before her departure. One highlight included a superb running catch at long-on to dismiss Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
The team confirmed later that Cross did not dislocate her shoulder. However, she did not bat during the Sunrisers’ innings and currently awaits scan results to determine the full extent of the damage. Captain Dani Gibson noted that the next few days are crucial for assessing her condition.
Phoebe Litchfield Leads the Successful Run Chase
Sunrisers Leeds faced some early pressure during their chase after losing both openers cheaply. Bryony Smith fell for four, and Jess Jonassen was run out for 14 following a major mix-up. Australian star Phoebe Litchfield took responsibility for the innings after the mistake that cost her teammate’s wicket.
Litchfield played aggressively and hit the first six of the day. She scored 43 runs from just 26 balls, hitting seven fours and one six. Former England cricketer Stuart Broad praised her performance, stating she looked like the “best player in the world”. Litchfield eventually fell to Kirstie Gordon, but her knock put Sunrisers in a winning position.
Annabel Sutherland and Dani Gibson finished the job for the visitors. Sutherland remained unbeaten on 30 from 23 balls, showing great composure. Meanwhile, captain Gibson whacked the winning runs down the ground to finish on 12 not out.
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Defensive Masterclass from Sunrisers Bowlers
MI London looked set for a high score after their opening partnership of 57 runs. Hayley Matthews (33) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (29) scored freely during the powerplay. However, Sunrisers Leeds used their spin bowlers to squeeze the run rate.
Deepti Sharma took the crucial wickets of both openers. She caught and bowled Matthews before having Wyatt-Hodge caught by Cross. Meanwhile, young leg-spinner Hannah Baker removed New Zealand captain Melie Kerr for 13. Baker finished with impressive figures of 2-16 from her 15 balls.
Dani Gibson also played a vital role with the ball. She bowled Nicola Carey for five and later had Alice Monaghan stumped by Lauren Winfield-Hill. The MI London lower order could not cope with the pressure, losing eight wickets in total as they slumped from a strong start.
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