The Hundred: MI London kick to title defense with Sunrisers Leeds by seven wickets | cricket news


MI London began their quest for a fourth consecutive hundredth title with a seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds at The Kia Oval, as the new-look competition got under way.

The 2026 edition of The Hundred had a different feel with name and kit changes following foreign investment but MI London, formerly known as Oval Invincibles, ensured some things remained constant.

Chasing 144 for an opening-night victory, Sam Curran (60 from 39 balls) and Nicholas Pooran (58 from 22 balls) put on a 93-run fourth-wicket stand as the defending champions cruised to a 16-ball 16-run victory over Will Jacks and Jason Roy.

Score Summary – MI London Women vs Sunrisers Leeds Men

Sunrisers Leeds 99 balls 143: Mitchell Marsh (41 off 27), Ryan Rickelton (25 off 16), Tom Alsop (31 off 18); Richard Gleeson (4-25), Sam Curran (2-27)

MI London 144-3 in 84 balls: Sam Curran (60 off 39), Nicholas Pooran (58 off 22); Brydon Carse (2-18); Nathan Ellis (1-22)

Sunrisers, who appeared in last year’s competition as the Northern Superchargers, were all out for 143 off 99 balls, with Richard Gleeson (4-25 off 4-25) leading the scoring with Mitchell Marsh (41 off 27 balls) and Ryan Rickleton (25 off 16 balls).

Rickelton hit three sixes before putting on 40 for the first wicket with Marsh.

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Six and out for Harry Brook! The England captain fell after scoring just eight runs for Sunrisers against MI London in The Hundred.

His replacement, England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook, lasted just seven balls, dismissing Rashid Khan for eight after smashing Nathan Sotter for six.

Marsh held firm, hitting three fours and three sixes undone by the Curran brothers, a slower ball from Tom to Sam at cover.

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Koran Combo! Tom’s ‘beauty’ of a delivery is rewarded with a catch by his brother Sam.

With captain Jack Crawley (13 off 11) unable to kick the Sunrisers into gear, Tom Allsopp’s 18-ball 31 helped them post a respectable score before Gleeson removed Nathan Ellis with a ball to spare to wrap up their innings.

Curse removed Jacks and Roy with the sixth and eighth balls of his opening spell as MI London struggled early in their run chase.

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Aggressive! Abrar Ahmed scored a hat trick six by Richard Gleeson!

But after James was bowled by Vince Ellis, Puran and Curran steadied the ship with a quick-fire 50 off 23 balls.

Curran made his fifty off 34 balls before Puran reached 19, as the pair hit 10 fours and eight sixes to propel MI London to victory with plenty to spare.

Captain Curran: I can read the game well

MI London captain Sam Curran:

“I tried to get some work done last year and it helped that I captained Surrey in the Blast and the ILT20.

“I think I can read the game pretty well and I can chase runs.

“But I don’t feel like a captain because there are so many good voices. There are so many great minds around me and it’s good to start a tournament well.”

Puran: We just tried to stay positive

Meerkat Match Hero, Nicholas Old:

“I came in and did exactly what I needed to do.

“We tried to be as positive as possible. It was about hitting a few boundaries and trying to take the partnership to the end.

“Runs give you confidence but winning games is more important to me and I’m happy we got off to the right start at home.”

What next?

Wednesday’s Hundred double header comes from the Utility Bowl in Southampton Southern Brave against Welsh Fire. The women’s game starts at 2.45 pm, while the men’s match starts at 6.30 pm. Watch both games live on Sky Sports.



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