Classy Mandhana helps Super Giants beat Sunrisers

The Hundred women’s competition moved to Headingley, where Sunrisers Leeds posted 142‑4 from their 100 balls. Annabel Sutherland top‑scored with a controlled 35 off 24 deliveries, striking four fours, while Villiers claimed 1‑6. In response, Manchester Super Giants chased the target in 96 balls, finishing 147‑6. Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 88 from 50 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes, and Baker took 1‑9. The Super Giants secured victory by four wickets. Mandhana’s knock marked her sixth half‑century in the tournament and represented her highest score of the competition. Her composed presence at the crease proved crucial as the left‑hander paced the chase despite wickets falling around her. Meg Lanning, the Super Giants captain, contributed 24 runs and was the only other batsman to reach double figures. After the match, Mandhana explained the key to her innings: “just committing to the shot” and “not playing thing half‑heartedly.” She added, “If you triumph matches similar this, it truly puts america successful a bully place,” speaking to Sky Sports. Reflecting on franchise cricket, she said, “In franchise cricket, you person to support your caput down and support going taking the bully days with atrocious days.” Throughout the Giants’ reply, Mandhana kept her side in touch with the required run rate. With 16 needed 10 balls, she slog‑swept Jess Jonassen for six;ce Carter allowing the shot to travel through her grasp at deep mid‑wicket. She then dispatched the Australian spinner down the ground and over the ropes again. Finally, she sealed the win in style off the first ball of the last over, sending Annabel Sutherland back over her head for six. Earlier in the innings, Sutherland had top‑scored for Sunrisers with 35 off 24 balls, while Bryony Smith and Phoebe Litchfield added 26 and 31 respectively. Dani Gibson provided late impetus, clubbing 18 from just six balls. Grace Ballinger was the most economical bowler for the Super Giants, conceding only 17 runs from her 20 wicketless balls. Conversely, Sophie Ecclestone endured an expensive spell, leaking 30 runs, and fellow England international Ryana MacDonald‑Gay went for six runs more.