Sunrisers Leeds Edge Southern Brave by Just 5 Runs in a Nail-Bitting Contest

Mitchell Marsh Powers Sunrisers to 187/5

Sunrisers Leeds made an aggressive start after opting to bat first, with opener Mitchell Marsh leading the charge.

Marsh Dominates the Powerplay

The Australian all-rounder smashed:

69 runs off 34 balls
4 fours
6 sixes
Strike Rate: 202.94

Marsh's fearless batting put Southern Brave under pressure from the very beginning.

Ryan Rickelton Provides Solid Support

South African wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton complemented Marsh with a fluent 37 off 27 balls, including four boundaries and one six.

The pair built a strong opening partnership of 111 runs, laying the perfect platform for a massive total.

Dan Lawrence Finishes the Innings in Style

After the quick dismissals of Mitchell Marsh, Harry Brook, and Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence ensured the momentum never slowed.

He remained unbeaten on:

51 runs from 25 balls
4 fours
3 sixes
Strike Rate: 204.00

Tom Alsop also played a valuable cameo, scoring 21 off 10 balls, helping Sunrisers Leeds finish with an imposing 187/5 from 100 balls.

Southern Brave Bowling Highlights

Despite conceding 187 runs, the bowlers managed to pull things back during the middle phase.

Adil Rashid Impresses Again

Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid delivered a brilliant spell:

3 wickets for 21 runs

He dismissed Mitchell Marsh, Ryan Rickelton, and Zak Crawley, preventing Sunrisers from crossing the 200-run mark.

Other Wicket-Takers
Chris Jordan: 1/29
Marcus Stoinis: 1/29
Southern Brave Fight Hard in the Chase

Chasing 188, Southern Brave started positively.

Ben McKinney and Jamie Smith Attack Early
Ben McKinney: 44 (23)
Jamie Smith: 30 (18)

Their aggressive batting kept Brave well ahead of the required rate during the early stages.

Marcus Stoinis Keeps the Pressure On

The Australian all-rounder contributed 31 off 16 balls, smashing four boundaries and a six before falling to spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Tristan Stubbs' Late Charge Falls Short

With the required rate climbing, Tristan Stubbs launched a late assault.

He remained unbeaten on:

43 runs from 20 balls
3 fours
3 sixes

Captain Chris Jordan added 6 not out from 3 deliveries, but Southern Brave finished on 182/5, just five runs short of the target.

Sunrisers Bowlers Hold Their Nerve

Sunrisers Leeds produced a disciplined bowling performance in the closing stages.

Abrar Ahmed Delivers Key Breakthroughs

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed:

2 wickets for 33 runs

His dismissals of Marcus Stoinis and David Miller shifted the momentum in Sunrisers' favour.

Nathan Ellis Seals the Victory

Australian pacer Nathan Ellis bowled brilliantly at the death, conceding just 25 runs while taking the crucial wicket of Nikhil Chaudhary.

Other Contributors
Matthew Potts: 1/46
Matthew Revis: 1/39
Match Summary
Result Sunrisers Leeds won by 5 runs
Sunrisers Leeds 187/5 (100 balls)
Southern Brave 182/5 (100 balls)
Player of the Match Mitchell Marsh – 69 (34)
Best Bowling Adil Rashid – 3/21
Top Performers
Sunrisers Leeds
Mitchell Marsh: 69 (34)
Dan Lawrence: 51* (25)
Ryan Rickelton: 37 (27)
Abrar Ahmed: 2/33
Nathan Ellis: 1/25
Southern Brave
Ben McKinney: 44 (23)
Tristan Stubbs: 43* (20)
Marcus Stoinis: 31 (16)
Adil Rashid: 3/21
Turning Point of the Match

The turning point came immediately after the 111-run opening partnership when Adil Rashid dismissed Mitchell Marsh, Ryan Rickelton, and Zak Crawley in quick succession, slowing Sunrisers' scoring. However, Dan Lawrence's unbeaten 51 restored the momentum late in the innings. During the chase, Abrar Ahmed's double strike and Nathan Ellis' disciplined death bowling denied Southern Brave despite a spirited unbeaten knock from Tristan Stubbs.

Conclusion

Sunrisers Leeds produced an impressive all-round display to secure a thrilling 5-run victory over Southern Brave in one of the most entertaining matches of The Hundred Men's Competition 2026. Mitchell Marsh's explosive 69, Dan Lawrence's unbeaten fifty, and the composed bowling effort under pressure proved decisive as Sunrisers successfully defended their total.

Final Score
Sunrisers Leeds: 187/5 (100 balls)
Southern Brave: 182/5 (100 balls)

Result: Sunrisers Leeds won by 5 runs.
Player of the Match: Mitchell Marsh (69 off 34 balls).