Both sides bring powerful batting units, high-class bowling attacks and proven game-changers capable of shifting momentum in just a few deliveries. With MI London launching their title defence against a strong Sunrisers Leeds side, supporters can look forward to a hard-fought opener to another exciting Hundred season.
Key Stats - Jason Roy Finding Form at the Right Time
- MI London’s Jason Roy has scores of 103*, 50* & 76 in his last 4 innings.
- MI London’s Nicholas Pooran has scored 86 & 106 in his last 2 knocks.
- MI London’s Sam Curran has figures of 3/36 & 4/75 in 4 matches.
- Sunrisers Leeds’ Mitchell Marsh has scored 90, 86, 20 & 60 in his last 5 matches.
- Sunrisers Leeds’ Harry Brook has scores of 79* & 95* in his last 5 innings.
- Sunrisers Leeds’ Matthew Potts has taken 3/32, 2/41 & 1/28 in his last 4 matches.
Tight Contest
Sunrisers Leeds holda 3-2 advantage in their last five matches agaisnt MI London.
MI London Same Quality, Different Name
MI London, previously known as Oval Invincibles, begin a new era in The Hundred while carrying the status of defending champions. The franchise enjoyed another excellent campaign in 2025, topping the league table with six wins from eight matches before going on to claim a record third straight Men’s Hundred title.
Their season ended in style with a 26-run victory over Trent Rockets in the final at Lord’s. MI London posted 168/5 before restricting the Rockets to 142/8. Nathan Sowter produced the standout bowling performance, taking 3/25 to earn Player of the Match honours, while opener Jordan Cox was named Player of the Series after finishing the tournament with 367 runs.
The batting lineup remains packed with quality. Will Jacks continues to be a major figure after scoring 312 runs at a strike rate of 156, while Sam Curran has contributed 263 runs across his last 10 matches. Curran’s all-round value is also crucial, having taken 12 wickets, while Rashid Khan remains one of MI London’s biggest weapons after claiming 12 wickets at an economy of 8.20 in six matches last season.
With a settled squad, proven performers and the belief that comes from sustained success, MI London will be determined to open their title defence with another strong display.
Sunrisers Leeds New Beginnings
Sunrisers Leeds, formerly Northern Superchargers, also begin a fresh chapter in The Hundred with a new identity and high expectations. They put together a solid 2025 campaign, finishing third in the league stage with five wins from eight matches to reach the knockout phase.
Their campaign included victories over Welsh Fire, Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit and Southern Brave, although defeats to Trent Rockets, Manchester Originals and Welsh Fire stopped them from finishing inside the top two. One of their most impressive results came against MI London, when they posted 198/4 in Leeds and then held the defending champions to 182/7 for a 16-run win. Harry Brook was outstanding in that match, striking 56 from 27 balls to take Player of the Match honours.
Zak Crawley will again lead the side and remains important at the top of the order. He scored 280 runs in nine matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 160. Brook adds further firepower, having made 227 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 162.14.
With the ball, Matthew Potts took 11 wickets in nine matches, while Tom Lawes added eight wickets at an economy of 8.77. With strong leadership, attacking batting and a disciplined pace attack, Sunrisers Leeds have the tools to challenge again in 2026.
MI London vs Sunrisers Leeds Predicted Lineups & Team news
Conditions at Kennington Oval are expected to be pleasant, with partly sunny skies and temperatures ranging from around 13°C to 25°C. The comfortable weather should provide an ideal setting for the opening match of The Hundred Men’s Competition 2026.
MI London (possible XI): Jason Roy, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (c), James Vince, Sherfane Rutherford, Rashid Khan, Nathan Sowter, Trent Boult, Richard Gleeson.
Sunrisers Leeds (possible XI): Zak Crawley (c), Tom Alsop, Harry Brook, Mitchell Marsh, Ed Barnard, Brydon Carse, Benny Howell, Matthew Potts, Tom Lawes, Reece Topley, Nathan Ellis.