Smriti Mandhana delivered a match-winning performance for the Manchester Super Giants, scoring an unbeaten 88 to seal a tense victory against Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred. Chasing a target of 143, the Super Giants initially looked comfortable as Mandhana and opener Meg Lanning, who contributed 24, built a 41-run partnership. However, the innings faced a significant setback when the team collapsed from 61/1 to 71/5 in just 14 deliveries.
Mandhana remained composed, anchoring the chase through two vital partnerships: 27 runs with Grace Scrivens and 48 runs with Kathryn Bryce. The Sunrisers missed two critical opportunities to dismiss the star batter, and she capitalized on those reprieves to post her highest score of the competition. With 44 runs required off the final 25 balls, Mandhana accelerated the scoring by hitting Deepti Sharma for a six over long-on. She was dropped again by Darcy Carter, with the ball spilling from the fielder's hands and reaching the boundary.
The finish was dramatic, with eight runs needed from the final six balls. Mandhana lofted Jess Jonassen over long-off before hitting Annabel Sutherland straight back down the ground to secure the win. Earlier in the match, Sunrisers Leeds reached 142/4 after being asked to bat first. Bryony Smith opened with 26, while Phoebe Litchfield scored 31 and Annabel Sutherland added 35. A 49-run stand between Sutherland and Lauren Winfield-Hill, followed by a quick 18 off six balls from captain Danielle Gibson, provided a strong finish for the Sunrisers.
Reflecting on the result, Mandhana noted that the wicket played differently than a typical Headingley surface, possessing a slight hold that made timing difficult. It feels great to win the match. I got a little lucky with the dropped chance, but nevertheless I was able to get the job done, she said. In franchise cricket you’re going to have good days and bad days, the turnover is quick, but if you win matches like these, then it puts you in a good place.
A remarkable lone effort from Smriti Mandhana (88*) saw her strike two sixes to seal victory in a tense run-chase in the Women's Hundred.
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