MI London has been making good starts to their bid to defend the Hundred title with a seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Leeds in the early stages of their 2026 campaign at The Kia Oval.
In a new era of the competition, known for its new name, kit, and overseas investment, the defending champions did not appear to have changed their winning attitude.
With both Will Jacks and Jason Roy out, MI London came under pressure early on as they were chased by 144. But Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran did the rest as they played a sensational unbeaten 93-run stand.
Pooran was the showman with a barrage of power hitting, while Curran was composed and was instrumental in his all-round effort with a 60 off 39 balls in an unbeaten fashion. The West Indies batsman hit 58 off just 22 balls to help MI London chase 144 off 16 balls.
Pooran’s aggressive effort proved to be the downfall of the SunRisers, and their only hope of a recovery came from the other end as Curran maintained his composure. Their relationship proved to be a prime example of why MI London is still one of the best teams in The Hundred 2026.
SunRisers Leeds had been bowled out for 143 runs off 99 deliveries earlier. Mitchell Marsh gave the foundation 41 from 27 balls, three fours, and three sixes. Ryan Rickelton also came on the attack early to register 25 off 16 balls and share the run rate for the first wicket with 40 for the side.
But Richard Gleeson turned things around with a terrific fast-bowling spell. He picked up four wickets for 25 runs, all in the SunRisers order of play, to deny them a higher target.
Sam Curran was also in with the ball, taking 2-27, including the vital wicket of Rickelton. Harry Brook could not get going and was only able to score eight runs before being bowled out soon after a six.
The emphatic victory helps to propel MI London to the right foot of the board as they fight for a remarkable fourth consecutive Hundred title. The champions are in great form so far after Curran’s fire in all departments and Pooran’s awful form.
