Gleeson's return delivers instant impact for MI London
Richard Gleeson, the 38-year-old England pacer, made an immediate impact for MI London with a clinical four-wicket haul in the Hundred 2026 opener. Bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 1.6 crore as a stand-in for Nuwan Thushara, Gleeson now plays for MI London after SLC denied the Sri Lankan a No-Objection Certificate to join RCB.
In the first match of the 2026 season at The Kia Oval, Gleeson dismantled the Sunrisers Leeds batting lineup. He dismissed Zak Crawley and Benny Howell in consecutive deliveries, nearly taking a hat-trick, and kept the opposition score under 143. His tight and accurate line set the tone for MI London's chase.
Pooran and Curran steer MI London to victory
Despite a rocky start for MI London, which saw three wickets fall for just 51, the game shifted when Nicholas Pooran entered the fray. The West Indies star launched an explosive innings, hitting five fours and five sixes in his rapid 58 off 22 balls, setting a new milestone for the franchise.
Captain Sam Curran provided the perfect support, scoring an unbeaten 60 off 39 balls as the pair added 93 runs from 40 deliveries. MI London reached the target in 84 balls, sealing the win 16 deliveries early and signaling a strong start to their title defense.