Harry Brook and Zak Crawley shared an unbroken 63-run stand for the third wicket against Manchester Super Giants as Sunrisers Leeds won by eight wickets at Headingley in The Hundred men's competition. Mitch Marsh had earlier powered the chase with a destructive 63, helping Sunrisers end Manchester Super Giants' unbeaten start to the tournament.
The experienced Australia opener struck six fours and five sixes in a fearless 26-ball innings that gave the Sunrisers the momentum to chase down 182 for victory. Marsh was bowled by a yorker from Sonny Baker with the score on 118, but the platform he had built was extended by Crawley and Brook as Sunrisers completed the win with 12 balls to spare.
Earlier, England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler continued his strong start to this year's competition with an unbeaten 63 off 33 balls, forming the bedrock of the Super Giants' 181-3. Buttler had made a masterful 90 in the Super Giants' emphatic win over Birmingham Phoenix last weekend and followed that with his second half-century of the tournament.
Heinrich Klaasen added 53 off 27 balls, while England seamer Nathan Ellis took 2-30 to finish as the pick of the Sunrisers bowlers.
How did Sunrisers Leeds finish the chase?
Sunrisers Leeds reached 186-2 in 88 balls to secure an eight-wicket victory. Crawley led the way with an unbeaten 56 off 34 balls, his second half-century of the summer, after losing his Test place earlier this year.
Brook scored 42 not out from 17 balls and helped ensure the chase stayed on course after Marsh was dismissed. The England limited-overs skipper had managed scores of three and eight in his first two innings, but against the Super Giants he mainly dealt in sixes.
Brook's six boundaries all cleared the ropes, including the winning runs off Noor Ahmad with 12 balls remaining. His innings was his first major contribution of the tournament and featured clean ball striking throughout.
What did Manchester Super Giants post?
Manchester Super Giants made 181-3 from their 100 balls, with Buttler and Klaasen providing most of the damage. Buttler's 63 not out came from 33 deliveries, while Klaasen's 53 came off 27 balls.
Despite the strong start, the Super Giants were unable to maintain their unbeaten run in The Hundred. They stay top on net run-rate, but now join Welsh Fire, MI London and Sunrisers Leeds on eight points.
What does the result mean in the table?
The result means Sunrisers Leeds have won two of their opening matches in The Hundred and sit alongside the Super Giants, Welsh Fire and MI London on eight points. Manchester Super Giants remain top on net run-rate despite the defeat.
Marsh's innings, Crawley's unbeaten half-century and Brook's rapid finishing burst combined to give Sunrisers a significant early-season win at Headingley.
Classy Mandhana helps Super Giants beat Sunrisers
What is happening on Wednesday?
The Hundred continues on Wednesday with double-headers in Cardiff and London.
At Sophia Gardens, Welsh Fire's women face Trent Rockets at 11:30 BST before the men's sides meet at 15:00 BST, with both home teams aiming to build on positive starts to the campaign.
Meanwhile, it is derby day at The Oval, MI London's women take on London Spirit at 15:00 BST before the men's fixture gets under way at 18:30 BST, as both sides look to gain early momentum in the race for the knockout stages.
You can follow ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the website and app.
Key Facts
- Sunrisers Leeds beat Manchester Super Giants by eight wickets at Headingley in The Hundred men's competition.
- Mitch Marsh scored 63 off 26 balls, while Zak Crawley made 56 not out and Harry Brook 42 not out.
- Manchester Super Giants posted 181-3, with Jos Buttler scoring 63 not out and Heinrich Klaasen 53.
- Sunrisers Leeds reached 186-2 in 88 balls, with Brook hitting the winning runs off Noor Ahmad.
- The Hundred continues on Wednesday with double-headers in Cardiff and London.
