A redesigned and intensely contested sixth edition of The Hundred will finally begin at The Oval, ending the wait. Two new identities from the league’s new ownership era will be introduced in tomorrow’s tournament opener: Sunrisers Leeds Women, who are stepping out with a point to prove under their new banner, and MI London Women, who aim to reclaim the dominant home-ground legacy of their former avatar, the Oval Invincibles. Both teams have put up star-studded, remarkably balanced lineups that combine exceptional international match-winners with explosive local talent. Neither team will want to lose an inch in this vital opening match; creating a big impression early on is essential to gaining early momentum in this brief, harsh format.
A strong top-order and dynamic all-around depth are key components of MI London’s tournament strategy. The squad relies on the elite all-around skills of Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr to set the pace during the middle overs, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge provides the early fireworks. The hosts, led by Hollie Armitage, possess the ideal tactical adaptability to either flip the switch with the bat or suffocate rival lineups with excellent spin. But a strong Sunrisers Leeds team captained by Danielle Gibson will put their credentials to the test right away. Equipped with the tactical acumen of Deepti Sharma and Phoebe Litchfield, as well as the seasoned Australian core of Jess Jonassen and Annabel Sutherland, the Leeds team has a strong blueprint that can pull strings in any game scenario.
The way the hitters manage the conditions at Kennington Oval, which typically gives the seamers some early bite before settling into a true surface, will probably determine whether the game is won or lost. The powerplay and middle phases will be largely determined by the tactical struggle between Jess Jonassen’s elite, disciplined spin variations and MI London’s explosive top three. This renamed MI London team feels like a completely different beast when they play in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, despite Sunrisers Leeds’ historically dominant head-to-head record from previous editions under their previous names. Anticipate a thrilling match in which the team that can better withstand the pressure of the final 25 balls wins the first points of the summer.
Squads :
MI London Women:
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Francesca Sweet, Hollie Armitage (C), Chinelle Henry, Hayley Matthews, Nicola Carey, Alice Davidson-Richards, Tara Norris, Alice Monaghan, Kalea Moore, Amelia Kerr, Kira Chathli, Eleanor Threlkeld, Kirstie Gordon, Alexa Stonehouse, Danielle Gregory, Kate Coppack
Sunrisers Leeds Women
Florence Miller, Phoebe Litchfield, Bryony Smith, Deepti Sharma, Jess Jonassen, Annabel Sutherland, Danielle Gibson (C), Lauren Winfield-Hill, Katie Jones, Hannah Baker, Cassidy McCarthy, Rachel Slater, Claudie Cooper, Kate Cross
Players to watch out for :
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
One of the most explosive hitters in the game’s shortest formats, Danni Wyatt-Hodge is an absolute juggernaut at the top of the order. She is a huge asset to MI London because of her aggressive style and capacity to take advantage of powerplays. She has amassed 1,146 runs at a fantastic average of 28.65 and an electrifying strike rate of 132.94 in 43 games, demonstrating her remarkable consistency in the 100-ball format. With a top score of 69 not out, she has amassed nine half-centuries in the competition. Her franchise richness transcends local boundaries, particularly in the WBBL, where she has amassed 2,165 runs with 14 fifties, demonstrating her versatility and ability to score big all over the world
Hayley Matthews
With the unique ability to win games on her own with both bat and ball, West Indian all-rounder Hayley Matthews adds amazing balance to the team. She has already played for MI for a considerable amount of time in the WPL, where she has amassed 867 runs and claimed 46 wickets in 34 games, so she is fully aware of what the team anticipates. She has taken 39 wickets at an average of 16.94 while scoring 795 runs at an average of 27.41 in her 33 games in the 100-ball competition. She is a regular in all major leagues and is an outstanding all-phase performer with 1,697 runs in the WBBL and a scorching batting average of 38.54 in the WCPL
Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield is certainly one of the most interesting young batters in international cricket today, and her record in the format speaks for itself. She has scored 742 runs at an outstanding average of 33.72 in 27 games. With a striking rate of 140.00, she may accelerate quickly, which makes her especially threatening. She is a vital anchor and accelerator for the team because she offers the ideal balance of traditional strokeplay and contemporary aggression at the top of the order, as seen by her three half-centuries, 111 fours, and 11 sixes
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma is a true luxury for any captain when it comes to top all-round players. She has a remarkable batting average of 57.80 across 16 games, amassing 289 runs with a high score of 46 not out, demonstrating her exceptional ability to read the game. Her remarkable boundary-hitting, which includes 24 fours and 6 sixes, is complemented by her ability to complete games. She is as deadly when it comes to bowling, taking 18 wickets in 16 innings with a very stingy economy rate of 6.05 and a top bowling performance of 3 for 18. She will be the team’s unifying factor
Pitch Report:
The surface at Kennington Oval typically provides a balanced track, traditionally leaning towards favoring batting with good carry and bounce. However, as is characteristic of English conditions, overhead clouds can give pacers plenty of early movement, meaning top-order batters will need to be cautious during the opening sessions
Weather Report:
For tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21, 2026), the weather forecast at The Kia Oval, Kennington Oval, London, United Kingdom is partly sunny during the day with a high temperature of 24°C, a low temperature of 16°C, a 10% chance of daytime rain, and wind speeds matching 8 mph coming from the north
Fantasy XI:
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Hollie Armitage, Chinelle Henry, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Danielle Gregory, Phoebe Litchfield, Bryony Smith, Deepti Sharma, Jess Jonassen, Lauren Winfield-Hill
Match Details :
Date : 21st July ,2026
Time : 7 PM
Venue : Kennington Oval, London, England
Broadcast : The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website