Smriti Mandhana produced a masterclass with an unbeaten 88 off 50 balls to lead Manchester Super Giants to a four-wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten run in The Hundred women's competition.
Chasing 143 for victory at Headingley, Mandhana's composed innings, featuring seven fours and four sixes, anchored the Super Giants' successful pursuit despite wickets falling around her. Her score was her highest in the tournament's history. Mandhana emphasized the importance of committing fully to shots and maintaining composure regardless of game situations, a strategy she credited for her performance.
Super Giants captain Meg Lanning was the only other batter to reach double figures, contributing 24 runs. Mandhana meticulously kept the team in touch with the required run rate before accelerating in the final overs. With 16 needed from the last 10 balls, she struck two consecutive sixes off Jess Jonassen and sealed the win with another boundary off Annabel Sutherland on the first ball of the final set.
Sunrisers Leeds posted a total of 142-4 in their 100 balls, with Annabel Sutherland leading their effort with a 35-ball 35, including four boundaries. Bryony Smith and Phoebe Litchfield also contributed 26 and 31 runs respectively, while Dani Gibson added late impetus with an 18-run cameo off just six balls.
Grace Ballinger was the most economical bowler for Super Giants, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket from her 20 deliveries. However, spinner Sophie Ecclestone and Ryana MacDonald-Gay were more expensive, with allocations costing 30 and 36 runs respectively.