Sunrisers Leeds secured their place in The Hundred 2026 women's final, defeating Southern Brave by five wickets in a gripping Eliminator match at The Kia Oval on Thursday, August 14. India's Deepti Sharma played a match-winning innings, guiding her team to victory with 11 balls to spare after a tense chase. Sunrisers Leeds will now face Trent Rockets in the championship decider at Lord's on Sunday, August 16.[radioroyal+3]
Tense Chase Secures Final Spot
Southern Brave, batting first, posted a modest total of 114 runs for 7 wickets from their 100 balls. Opener Lizelle Lee provided a solid start, scoring 32 runs off 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and one six.However, Sunrisers Leeds' bowlers applied consistent pressure. Leg-spinner Hannah Baker was particularly effective, taking two wickets for just 13 runs. She claimed the crucial wicket of Lee, who was smartly stumped by Lauren Winfield-Hill.[radioroyal+3]
In response, Sunrisers Leeds faced a challenging chase. They found themselves in trouble at 54 for 3 after 47 balls, losing key Australian batters Phoebe Litchfield for 4 runs and Annabel Sutherland for 17 off 12 balls.Southern Brave's fast bowler Issy Wong delivered an impressive spell, taking three wickets for 21 runs. Wong dismissed Lauren Winfield-Hill, who had contributed a vital 37 runs off 37 balls, and also accounted for Sunrisers captain Dani Gibson, caught leg before wicket on her first ball.Despite these setbacks, Deepti Sharma remained calm under pressure. Her unbeaten 28 runs from 22 balls ensured Sunrisers Leeds reached their target of 115 with five wickets in hand.[radioroyal+6]
Team Journeys to the Eliminator
The Eliminator clash brought together two teams with contrasting recent form. Sunrisers Leeds entered the knockout stage on a strong run, having won five consecutive matches.The team, which rebranded from Northern Superchargers in January 2026 after an acquisition by the Sun Group, is also the defending champion of The Hundred women's competition, having won the title in 2025.This victory marks their continued success in the tournament.[radioroyal+5]
Southern Brave, on the other hand, experienced a dip in form leading into the Eliminator. After an excellent start to the 2026 season with five straight wins, they suffered four consecutive losses, including this decisive match.The Eliminator format dictates that the second and third-placed teams from the league stage compete, with the winner advancing to face the table-topping team in the final.[radioroyal+4]
Key Performances Under Pressure
Several players delivered standout performances in the high-stakes Eliminator. Deepti Sharma's composed batting was pivotal for Sunrisers Leeds, ensuring they navigated the tricky chase to secure their final berth.Her ability to finish the innings under pressure highlighted her experience and skill. Lauren Winfield-Hill's 37 runs provided a crucial anchor in the Sunrisers' innings, and her quick stumping of Lizelle Lee was a turning point in Southern Brave's batting effort.Hannah Baker's leg-spin proved difficult to score against, and her two wickets helped restrict Southern Brave to a manageable total.[radioroyal+6]
For Southern Brave, Issy Wong's fiery spell with the ball was a highlight. Her three wickets kept her team in contention for much of the chase, demonstrating her ability to take crucial wickets in key moments.Wong's dismissals of star batter Phoebe Litchfield, who had been a leading run-scorer in the tournament with 289 runs in eight matches before the Eliminator, and captain Dani Gibson, were particularly impactful.Annabel Sutherland, another key all-rounder for Sunrisers Leeds, had also shown strong form throughout the season, scoring 273 runs and taking 8 wickets in eight matches prior to this game, underlining the depth of talent in the Sunrisers squad.[radioroyal+6]
The Road Ahead: Lord's Final
Sunrisers Leeds' victory sets up an exciting final against Trent Rockets, who finished at the top of the league table. Trent Rockets also enter the final in formidable form, having won their last six matches to secure their direct spot in the championship match.The final will be held at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday, August 16.[radioroyal+4]
The Hundred 2026 season, which commenced on July 21 and concludes with the finals on August 16, has featured eight city-based teams competing in the unique 100-ball format.The tournament has showcased explosive batting, sharp bowling, and tactical play, with matches typically lasting around two and a half hours.The upcoming final promises a thrilling contest between the defending champions, Sunrisers Leeds, and the dominant Trent Rockets, as both teams vie for The Hundred 2026 women's title.[en+5]
