SunRisers Leeds secured a spot in the women's Hundred eliminator by defeating Manchester Super Giants by 41 runs in a winner-takes-all match at Old Trafford. The victory boosted Leeds into the top three and set up an eliminator against Southern Brave on Friday.
Leeds posted 166-4 after being put in to bat, with Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland scoring an unbeaten 62 off 36 balls. Sutherland hit nine boundaries, including three sixes, and was aided by contributions from Dani Gibson, who made 24 off 13 balls. Manchester were restricted to 125-8 in reply, with spinner Jess Jonassen taking 3-21 and Sutherland claiming 2-17.
Phoebe Litchfield gave Leeds a rapid start with 27 from 12 deliveries before being dismissed by Mady Villiers. Bryony Smith contributed 17 and Lauren Winfield-Hill made 20 before both were dismissed as Leeds reached 83-3. Sutherland then took charge, hitting three consecutive sixes off Ryana MacDonald-Gay to propel Leeds to their highest score of the tournament at Old Trafford.
Manchester's reply saw Smriti Mandhana removed for 28 by Jonassen, while Grave Scrivens made 31 off 24 balls before being stumped. Meg Lanning scored 10 before being bowled by Jonassen as Manchester failed to mount a sustained challenge.
The reigning champions will face Southern Brave in Friday's eliminator at The Oval, with Trent Rockets awaiting the winner in Sunday's final at Lord's.
