144/3 (16.4)
CR : 8.64
143/10 (19.4)
CR : 7.27
MI London won by 7 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Nicholas Pooran
58(22)*
Over 17
MI London 144/3
Nicholas Pooran58(22)
Sam Curran60(39)
Matthew Potts0-33(19 b)
MIL won by 7 wickets
1:41 AM IST, 9:11 PM local time: The sun sets in London, literally and figuratively too. Sunrisers Leeds have been battered. Nicholas Pooran's blitzkrieg coupled with Sam Curran's all-round show gets MI London off to the perfect start in The Men's Hundred 2026. They win the season opener by 7 wickets, with 16 balls to spare.
It felt like a two-paced wicket for the most part. The ball did not seem to be coming onto the bat nicely. While the visitors stuttered throughout their innings, the start for MI London was scratchy too. Unlike the first innings, it wasn't off-pace deliveries, but rather simple, Test Match-esque lines and lengths, at hostile pace from Brydon Carse, which they found difficult to get away. He accounted for the wickets of Jason Roy and Will Jacks.
The powerplay produced only 23/2 and even post that, they weren't scoring at a handsome rate. It was only after the arrival of Pooran that things changed, and they changed drastically. The left-hander went about his business in a swashbuckling manner, smashing five fours and fives sixes on the way to a 22-ball-58*. On the other end, Sam Curran played a captain's knock, to add to his bowling figures of 2/27, and finished with 60* (39).
Earlier, in the first innings, Sunrisers Leeds scored 10 sixes. But in the other 90 balls, they only managed 83 runs (including extras). That's what made the difference in the end. Mitchell Marsh (27-ball-41), Ryan Rickelton (16-ball-25) and Tom Alsop (18-ball-31) hit three each. Richard Gleeson returned the best figures and finished with 4/25 off his 19 balls. Trent Boult, who bowled 10 balls in the powerplay, also impressed and returned 1/17 off 20.
It felt like a two-paced wicket for the most part. The ball did not seem to be coming onto the bat nicely. While the visitors stuttered throughout their innings, the start for MI London was scratchy too. Unlike the first innings, it wasn't off-pace deliveries, but rather simple, Test Match-esque lines and lengths, at hostile pace from Brydon Carse, which they found difficult to get away. He accounted for the wickets of Jason Roy and Will Jacks.
The powerplay produced only 23/2 and even post that, they weren't scoring at a handsome rate. It was only after the arrival of Pooran that things changed, and they changed drastically. The left-hander went about his business in a swashbuckling manner, smashing five fours and fives sixes on the way to a 22-ball-58*. On the other end, Sam Curran played a captain's knock, to add to his bowling figures of 2/27, and finished with 60* (39).
Earlier, in the first innings, Sunrisers Leeds scored 10 sixes. But in the other 90 balls, they only managed 83 runs (including extras). That's what made the difference in the end. Mitchell Marsh (27-ball-41), Ryan Rickelton (16-ball-25) and Tom Alsop (18-ball-31) hit three each. Richard Gleeson returned the best figures and finished with 4/25 off his 19 balls. Trent Boult, who bowled 10 balls in the powerplay, also impressed and returned 1/17 off 20.
Fastest 50s in the Men's Hundred (by Balls):
15 - Adam Rossington (London Spirit) vs Sunrisers Leeds, Leeds, 2022
17 - Adam Lyth (Sunrisers Leeds) vs MI London, The Oval, 2022
17 - Phil Salt (Manchester Super Giants) vs Sunrisers Leeds, Manchester, 2024
19 - Laurie Evans (Manchester Super Giants) vs London Spirit, Southampton, 2022
19 - Hilton Cartwright (Southern Brave) vs Welsh Fire, Cardiff, 2025
19 - Nicholas Pooran (MI London) vs Sunrisers Leeds, The Oval, 2026, Tonight*
15 - Adam Rossington (London Spirit) vs Sunrisers Leeds, Leeds, 2022
17 - Adam Lyth (Sunrisers Leeds) vs MI London, The Oval, 2022
17 - Phil Salt (Manchester Super Giants) vs Sunrisers Leeds, Manchester, 2024
19 - Laurie Evans (Manchester Super Giants) vs London Spirit, Southampton, 2022
19 - Hilton Cartwright (Southern Brave) vs Welsh Fire, Cardiff, 2025
19 - Nicholas Pooran (MI London) vs Sunrisers Leeds, The Oval, 2026, Tonight*
Highest 4th Wicket Partnerships for MI London in Men’s Hundred:
93* – Sam Curran & Nicholas Pooran vs Sunrisers Leeds, The Oval, 2026, Today*
73 – Sam Billings & Will Jacks vs Trent Rockets, The Oval, 2023
68* – Sam Curran & Will Jacks vs Southern Brave, The Oval, 2022
93* – Sam Curran & Nicholas Pooran vs Sunrisers Leeds, The Oval, 2026, Today*
73 – Sam Billings & Will Jacks vs Trent Rockets, The Oval, 2023
68* – Sam Curran & Will Jacks vs Southern Brave, The Oval, 2022
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran (Player of the Match): (On the win) "I'm quite happy. We backed ourselves to chase it down. What pleased me most about that innings was seeing Vince and Sam weather the storm for a bit at the start. It was unlucky for Vince, but I came in and did what I had to do.
(On taking on Dan Lawrence) It wasn't a conscious decision. I think the game just played itself. Sam was set as well, and we were just trying to stay as positive as we could. When the lights came on, the ball started to slide on a bit. So it was all about hitting the boundaries and try to take that partnership all the way to the end.
(On the confidence from his recent century in MLC) Experience gives you a little confidence, but winning games is more important to me. I'm just happy that we could get off to the right start in front of our home crowd.
(On the conditions and the first-innings total) We knew it was going to be tricky in the first couple of overs. We understood that. We were a bit slow initially, and it felt like once the lights came on and we were under those conditions, it worked in our favour. We actually play really well at home as well, so understanding the conditions and doing what we say is most pleasing to us. Hopefully, we can stay disciplined and humble and continue to play the game the right way, especially at home.
(On having his wife and daughter in the stands) Honestly, they missed the last couple of games in America, so it's nice to have them here. When I scored my fifty, I blew them a kiss, so I know they'll be really happy. Earlier this year has been really challenging for me personally when it comes to batting, so I'm just really happy to get the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do and play the game the right way."
(On taking on Dan Lawrence) It wasn't a conscious decision. I think the game just played itself. Sam was set as well, and we were just trying to stay as positive as we could. When the lights came on, the ball started to slide on a bit. So it was all about hitting the boundaries and try to take that partnership all the way to the end.
(On the confidence from his recent century in MLC) Experience gives you a little confidence, but winning games is more important to me. I'm just happy that we could get off to the right start in front of our home crowd.
(On the conditions and the first-innings total) We knew it was going to be tricky in the first couple of overs. We understood that. We were a bit slow initially, and it felt like once the lights came on and we were under those conditions, it worked in our favour. We actually play really well at home as well, so understanding the conditions and doing what we say is most pleasing to us. Hopefully, we can stay disciplined and humble and continue to play the game the right way, especially at home.
(On having his wife and daughter in the stands) Honestly, they missed the last couple of games in America, so it's nice to have them here. When I scored my fifty, I blew them a kiss, so I know they'll be really happy. Earlier this year has been really challenging for me personally when it comes to batting, so I'm just really happy to get the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do and play the game the right way."
Sam Curran (MI London Captain): "[Where did they win the game?] I think with the ball. We bowled really well I feel. We knew their strength was their top 5 batters. In the middle I felt like I had to bowl my trump card. Rashid was very good. Even Nathan Sowter. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves but he has been doing a great job for us for a long time. So, he bowled well, then Rashid and Gleeson did a great job. I think it also goes back to the fact that we had a great auction. We got back what we wanted. A bit of pace, a bit slow. Jacks actually didn't even bowl tonight.
[Does he have a say in the auction?] That is definitely above my pay grade. Though I was on the phone the whole time during the auction. The big plan was to get as many Surrey boys as possible. My plan was to get one opener, 4,5 and 8. Trying to spread them out in the batting order. Obviously, we got Tom, Vince is a class player here at the Oval. The opening pair with Jacks is amazing. Rashid was here last year as well. Sowter was the one we really wanted. A double leg spin option works here.
[On Nicholas Pooran] Wow, I have been on the receiving end a couple of times bowling to him. We didn't have Rutherford around today. I don't think Nicholas is always going to bat at 5. He is really going to enjoy his time on such Oval wickets. The sound that comes off his bat is just different.
[What is it like batting with Pooran?] I think it is like those top players who just get into the zone. The blinkers are on for him. He just looked up and he was already 20 off 6. The rate was back to run-a-ball. I told him that let's finish it quickly. The run rate does play a part. In the Hundred if you lose early in the tournament, it is very hard to catch up.
[On Kieron Pollard] He is another one I have been on the receiving end of. It is very nice to have Pollard there. He is another one who hates losing. He is just like me in that sense. The whole group makes you feel very much at home and yeah good way to start.
[On the usage of Richard Gleeson] I think when Mitch was still in, then we went bang bang and they were 90/5. The plan was to keep taking wickets. They did get a decent finish. I think Gleeson adds a new dimension to our attack. He bowls a good length, and it is a bit steeper here, so it helps. He made a joke with me when I bowled him 10 balls in a row. He told me that he is 39 years old and what was I doing (laughs). I feel it is always better to keep bowling. He got 4 wickets. I was actually a bit nervous coming into the game today. A lot of expectations from our side.
[On captaining today] Yeah, it has been nice. I did a little bit last year. Obviously, I captain Surrey here in the Blast and that helps. It is something I enjoy doing. I feel I can read the game well. It helps my batting. I can anchor a chase better and when you have guys like Nicholas behind it helps. I bowl as well, so I feel I can read the game pretty well. Today I took a lot of help from Vince as well. He is superb at this.
[On having senior players like James Vince and Will Jacks in the team] I said to Vince that he must field near me at mid off and mid on. If he sees anything, he can just tell me. He told me when Gleeson was bowling that let's try and kill the game here. Jacks didn't get to bowl today but he has a huge role to play in our side. We have so many leaders in the team that I almost feel I am not captain of the team. There are so many good voices. Pollard has captained Mumbai and it is great to have these brains around me."
[Does he have a say in the auction?] That is definitely above my pay grade. Though I was on the phone the whole time during the auction. The big plan was to get as many Surrey boys as possible. My plan was to get one opener, 4,5 and 8. Trying to spread them out in the batting order. Obviously, we got Tom, Vince is a class player here at the Oval. The opening pair with Jacks is amazing. Rashid was here last year as well. Sowter was the one we really wanted. A double leg spin option works here.
[On Nicholas Pooran] Wow, I have been on the receiving end a couple of times bowling to him. We didn't have Rutherford around today. I don't think Nicholas is always going to bat at 5. He is really going to enjoy his time on such Oval wickets. The sound that comes off his bat is just different.
[What is it like batting with Pooran?] I think it is like those top players who just get into the zone. The blinkers are on for him. He just looked up and he was already 20 off 6. The rate was back to run-a-ball. I told him that let's finish it quickly. The run rate does play a part. In the Hundred if you lose early in the tournament, it is very hard to catch up.
[On Kieron Pollard] He is another one I have been on the receiving end of. It is very nice to have Pollard there. He is another one who hates losing. He is just like me in that sense. The whole group makes you feel very much at home and yeah good way to start.
[On the usage of Richard Gleeson] I think when Mitch was still in, then we went bang bang and they were 90/5. The plan was to keep taking wickets. They did get a decent finish. I think Gleeson adds a new dimension to our attack. He bowls a good length, and it is a bit steeper here, so it helps. He made a joke with me when I bowled him 10 balls in a row. He told me that he is 39 years old and what was I doing (laughs). I feel it is always better to keep bowling. He got 4 wickets. I was actually a bit nervous coming into the game today. A lot of expectations from our side.
[On captaining today] Yeah, it has been nice. I did a little bit last year. Obviously, I captain Surrey here in the Blast and that helps. It is something I enjoy doing. I feel I can read the game well. It helps my batting. I can anchor a chase better and when you have guys like Nicholas behind it helps. I bowl as well, so I feel I can read the game pretty well. Today I took a lot of help from Vince as well. He is superb at this.
[On having senior players like James Vince and Will Jacks in the team] I said to Vince that he must field near me at mid off and mid on. If he sees anything, he can just tell me. He told me when Gleeson was bowling that let's try and kill the game here. Jacks didn't get to bowl today but he has a huge role to play in our side. We have so many leaders in the team that I almost feel I am not captain of the team. There are so many good voices. Pollard has captained Mumbai and it is great to have these brains around me."
Highest 4th Wicket Partnerships in Men’s Hundred
104* – Miles Hammond & Liam Livingstone (Birmingham Phoenix) vs Southern Brave, Southampton, 2021
96 – Shimron Hetmyer & Keaton Jennings (London Spirit) vs Manchester Super Giants, Lord's, 2024
93* – Sam Curran & Nicholas Pooran (MI London) vs Sunrisers Leeds, The Oval, 2026, Today*
93 – Leus du Plooy & Glenn Phillips (Welsh Fire) vs London Spirit, Cardiff, 2021
87 – James Coles & Laurie Evans (Southern Brave) vs Sunrisers Leeds, Southampton, 2025
104* – Miles Hammond & Liam Livingstone (Birmingham Phoenix) vs Southern Brave, Southampton, 2021
96 – Shimron Hetmyer & Keaton Jennings (London Spirit) vs Manchester Super Giants, Lord's, 2024
93* – Sam Curran & Nicholas Pooran (MI London) vs Sunrisers Leeds, The Oval, 2026, Today*
93 – Leus du Plooy & Glenn Phillips (Welsh Fire) vs London Spirit, Cardiff, 2021
87 – James Coles & Laurie Evans (Southern Brave) vs Sunrisers Leeds, Southampton, 2025
That brings us to the end of our coverage of Day 1 of The Hundred 2026. On a low scoring Tuesday at The Oval, Sunrisers Leeds ruled the roost in the women's game, while MI London stole the show in the men's match.
Join us tomorrow for Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire — the coverage of the women's game starts at 6:30 PM IST (2:00 PM local time) and the coverage of the men's game starts at 10:00 PM IST (5:30 PM local time).
For now, this is Darpan signing off on the behalf of Dev, Manan, Aman, Paras and Manish. Sayonara!
Join us tomorrow for Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire — the coverage of the women's game starts at 6:30 PM IST (2:00 PM local time) and the coverage of the men's game starts at 10:00 PM IST (5:30 PM local time).
For now, this is Darpan signing off on the behalf of Dev, Manan, Aman, Paras and Manish. Sayonara!