Leeds: SunRisers secure win against MI London, but Kate Cross fitness in doubt

By Lewis Hartnell · Senior Football Correspondent · 21.07.2026

By Lewis Hartnell — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

SunRisers Leeds begin season with victory

SunRisers Leeds Women began their Hundred campaign with a seven-wicket victory over MI London at The Kia Oval. This match marked a new era for the competition, featuring two teams that have undergone name changes due to significant overseas investment. SunRisers Leeds, who previously won the title under the name Northern Superchargers, successfully chased down MI London’s total of 107-8 with 31 balls remaining.

MI London, formerly known as Oval Invincibles, had an opening stand of 57 between Hayley Matthews, who scored 33, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who contributed 29. However, SunRisers Leeds managed to break this partnership and restrict their opponents.

For SunRisers Leeds, Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield was the top-scorer with 43 runs off 26 deliveries. She recovered from an earlier incident where she was involved in running out her compatriot Jess Jonassen, who made 14, after attempting a single that was not feasible. Another Australian player, Annabel Sutherland, added an unbeaten 30 runs off 23 deliveries, while captain Dani Gibson hit the winning boundary, finishing with 12 not out off 7 balls.

Injury concern for Kate Cross

Despite the strong start to the season, SunRisers Leeds faced a setback with a shoulder injury to Kate Cross. The incident occurred shortly after Cross took a running catch at long-on to dismiss Wyatt-Hodge. She landed awkwardly while fielding at extra-cover and left the field in pain. While reports indicate her shoulder was not dislocated, she is scheduled to undergo scans to assess the full extent of the injury.

Captain Dani Gibson also made a significant contribution with the ball, taking two wickets for 17 runs. Her wickets included that of Australia’s Nicola Carey, who scored 5 and was bowled by a cross-seamer. Gibson was the most expensive English player in the Hundred auction earlier this year, with SunRisers Leeds acquiring her for £190k.

Spin bowlers played a crucial role in the match, with Wyatt-Hodge, West Indies skipper Matthews, and New Zealand captain Melie Kerr, who scored 13, all falling to spin. Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets for 20 runs, dismissing both Wyatt-Hodge and Matthews, the latter caught and bowled by the India all-rounder. Young English leg-spinner Hannah Baker also contributed, taking two wickets for 16 runs, including that of Kerr.

Upcoming fixtures and Surrey players in The Hundred

The Hundred competition continues with a double-header on Wednesday at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. Southern Brave will face Welsh Fire, with the women’s game scheduled to start at 2.45pm, followed by the men’s match at 6.30pm.

Several players from Surrey are participating in the Hundred 2026 season across various teams. For MI London, Surrey’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Kira Chathli, Alice Davidson-Richards, Alice Monaghan, Kalea Moore, and Alexa Stonehouse are playing at The Kia Oval. Kate Coppack, a recent signing for Surrey who will join the club for the 2027 season, is also representing MI London this summer.

Other Surrey players include all-rounder Alice Capsey and wicket-keeper batter Jemima Spence, who are with Birmingham Phoenix. Matt Fisher and Jamie Overton are playing for London Spirit at Lord’s. Gus Atkinson, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, and Paige Scholfield are part of Manchester Super Giants. Southern Brave features Jamie Smith, Chris Jordan, Dan Worrall, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, and Phoebe Franklin. Surrey skipper Bryony Smith has joined Sunrisers Leeds‘ women’s team, while Dan Lawrence, Tom Lawes, and Reece Topley are in the men’s squad. Sophia Dunley is playing for Trent Rockets, and Jordan Clark is representing Welsh Fire.

The Hundred returns for its sixth year, with MI London playing Sunrisers Leeds at The Kia Oval.

Source: skysports.com

Lewis Hartnell

Senior Football Correspondent

As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”