London Spirit Women Reach Hundred Final with Eight-Wicket Win

London Spirit Women Reach Hundred Final with Eight-Wicket Win

London Spirit’s women’s team has secured a spot in the Hundred final against Welsh Fire at Lord’s after an impressive eight-wicket victory over Oval Invincibles. The Spirit’s triumph marks their first final appearance in the competition’s history and ensures that all eight teams from both the men’s and women’s divisions have now reached the Hundred final.

Opting to bowl first, the Spirit bowlers put in a disciplined performance, restricting the Invincibles to a modest total of 113 for 9. Charlie Dean led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3 for 24, while Sarah Glenn and Deepti Sharma also contributed with economical spells.

Invincibles captain Lauren Winfield-Hill made a promising start, hitting three boundaries in the second set, but was dismissed for 21 by Dean. Alice Capsey top-scored for the Invincibles with 30, but her innings was cut short by Danielle Gibson. Marizanne Kapp also made a valuable contribution of 26, but the Spirit bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

Chasing 114 for victory, the Spirit openers, Georgia Redmayne and Meg Lanning, got off to a solid start, reaching 33 for 0 after the powerplay. Lanning was eventually dismissed for 22, but Redmayne continued to anchor the innings, finishing unbeaten on 53 from 47 balls.

Heather Knight, the Spirit captain, provided excellent support with an unbeaten 36, and the pair shared an unbroken stand of 74 to guide their team to victory with 18 balls to spare.

Redmayne, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her delight at the team’s performance: “It’s really special. We came into this game in really good spirits. We knew if we did the simple things right that we’ve got the team to be able to win the game and get to a Lord’s final at home which is going to be incredible.”

Birmingham Phoenix Seal Eliminator Spot with Nine-Wicket Win

Birmingham Phoenix Seal Eliminator Spot with Nine-Wicket Win

Birmingham Phoenix emerged victorious in a rain-shortened match against Manchester Originals, securing a spot in The Hundred Eliminator. The Phoenix chased down a modest target of 42 with ease, winning by nine wickets.

Phoenix captain Moeen Ali won the toss and elected to bowl first. Kiwi speedster Adam Milne struck early, removing Matthew Hurst in the second over. Tim Southee conceded a six to Phil Salt but dismissed him soon after. Sean Abbott and Milne continued the onslaught, accounting for Paul Walter and Max Holden respectively. Chris Wood wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Sikandar Raza, restricting the Originals to a mere 41 for 5.

In response, Birmingham Phoenix made light work of the chase. Jamie Smith set the tone with two boundaries off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the first over. Ben Duckett took over the mantle, smashing Tom Aspinwall for a six and three boundaries. Smith departed for 14, but Duckett (22*) and Moeen (6*) guided the Phoenix home with eight balls to spare.

Milne, who finished with figures of 2 for 8, was named the Meerkat Match Hero. He attributed his success to the swing and seam on offer, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different conditions in shortened formats.

The victory sends Birmingham Phoenix to The Hundred Eliminator, where they will face Southern Brave at The Kia Oval on Saturday. Andrew Flintoff’s first year as Northern Superchargers Head Coach ends with a fourth-place finish.

Rockets Soar Past Invincibles with Powell's Pyrotechnics

Rockets Soar Past Invincibles with Powell’s Pyrotechnics

Trent Rockets’ Rovman Powell propelled his team to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Oval Invincibles at Trent Bridge, keeping their hopes of reaching the Hundred final alive.

The Invincibles, who had been on the cusp of securing a spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s, were denied by Powell’s explosive hitting. Despite their loss, they remain favorites to advance directly to the final as group winners. However, Birmingham Phoenix could overtake them on net run-rate with a substantial victory over Manchester Originals on Thursday.

Invincibles captain Sam Billings acknowledged the Rockets’ strength, stating that their season could have been different. He emphasized the importance of adapting to different conditions, as the Oval played differently from Lord’s.

Powell joined Tom Alsop at the crease with the Rockets needing 95 runs from 52 balls and three wickets down. The duo formed an 80-run partnership in just 32 balls, propelling the Rockets towards the Invincibles’ total of 150.

Powell’s pyrotechnics included four sixes, one of which traveled 101 meters off Sam Curran’s bowling. However, Curran eventually induced Powell to miscue a lofted drive to long-on.

Despite Powell’s dismissal, Alsop and Chris Green guided the Rockets to victory with six balls to spare.

The Invincibles had earlier posted a competitive 150 for 3, thanks to Dawid Malan’s composed half-century and contributions from Will Jacks and Jordan Cox.

Saqib Mahmood bowled with pace and hostility for the Rockets, accounting for Tom Banton. Alex Hales and Joe Root provided a recovery, but their dismissals gave the Invincibles hope.

However, Powell and Alsop’s heroics ensured that the Rockets kept their playoff hopes alive.

Southern Brave Secure Eliminator Spot Despite Rain-Hit Draw

Southern Brave Secure Eliminator Spot Despite Rain-Hit Draw

Southern Brave secured their spot in The Hundred Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday, thanks to rain intervening at Utilita Bowl against an already-eliminated Welsh Fire. The Brave needed just a point to guarantee their presence in Saturday’s showdown, but at the halfway stage, with 181 posted by the Fire, they would have feared losing control of their destiny.

Two quick wickets – Alex Davies for a duck and then James Vince for 19 – further set the Brave back. But on the stroke of Vince’s dismissal, with rain falling steadily, the umpires took the players off. The rain never abated, and with just 16 balls having been bowled of the Brave’s innings – a minimum of 25 balls are required to deliver a result – the game was duly abandoned.

It was a bitter pill for the Fire to swallow. With the bat, they were irrepressible, with Luke Wells and Glenn Phillips especially destructive, sharing a 76-run partnership from just 30 balls to propel the Fire to their highest-ever score in the tournament’s history.

Wells, registering just his second fifty in the competition, took just 28 balls to reach the milestone, while Phillips was spectacular, clubbing five sixes – including one hit over square-leg against Jofra Archer that sailed 102 metres – from just 19 balls. In all, 10 sixes were struck across the Fire’s innings.

For the Brave, only Akeal Hosein escaped punishment, the West Indian left-armer conceding just 21 from his 20-ball quota. Ultimately, it was immaterial. Brave are through to face either Northern Superchargers or Birmingham Phoenix, with the latter’s game against Manchester Originals tomorrow determining the final placings at the top.

Brave skipper, James Vince, said: “Bowling first, things probably got away from us a bit. We were sloppy. Some good players got going and we weren’t able to shut them down, so it was always going to be a tough ask to chase that down.

“We had a few messages saying the weather might be on its way so it we had a few discussions about how to approach those first 25 balls; thankfully the rain came just in time.

“On the whole, across the tournament, the bowling group gets a lot of credit. They’re quality, experienced bowlers. Our batting goes under the radar a bit. We’d like a few more guys in form, but on the whole we’ve been reasonably consistent.”

Oval Invincibles Triumph in Tense Hundred Encounter

Oval Invincibles Triumph in Tense Hundred Encounter

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge, securing a five-wicket triumph to advance to the Hundred eliminator. The match was played on a slow and low wicket, adding to the intensity of the contest.

South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp played a pivotal role for the Invincibles, showcasing her versatility with both bat and ball. She claimed three wickets for just eight runs in her four-over spell, including the crucial dismissals of Grace Scrivens and Bryony Smith. With the bat, Kapp remained unbeaten on 26, guiding her team to victory.

Chasing a modest target of 92, the Invincibles faced early setbacks, losing Chamari Athapaththu, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Alice Capsey in quick succession. However, Paige Scholfield played a steady hand, scoring 26 runs to keep her team in the hunt.

Kapp then took charge, launching a counter-attack against Heather Graham and Nat Sciver-Brunt. She struck two boundaries off Graham and two more off Sciver-Brunt, easing the pressure on her team. Scholfield also contributed with back-to-back fours off Sciver-Brunt, reducing the equation to 22 runs from 30 balls.

Despite the loss of Scholfield and Mady Villiers, Kapp remained composed, hitting the winning runs with six balls to spare. Her innings proved crucial in securing the victory for the Invincibles.

Earlier, Trent Rockets had struggled to build a substantial total, losing three wickets in the first 13 balls. Gardner’s 43 provided some resistance, but the Rockets were eventually restricted to 91 for 8.

Welsh Fire Cruise to Knockout Stage with Dominant Win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire Cruise to Knockout Stage with Dominant Win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire’s dominant performance against Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl secured their place in The Hundred’s knockout stage. Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role, showcasing her exceptional skills with both bat and ball.

Matthews’ opening spell with the ball proved devastating for the Brave, as she claimed four wickets for just 14 runs. Her offbreaks proved too much for Danni Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Adams, and Maia Bouchier, leaving the Brave reeling at 15 for 4.

Jess Jonassen joined the wicket-taking party, dismissing Freya Kemp and Naomi Dattani, while Matthews returned to trap Kalea Moore in front. Chloe Tryon’s valiant 55 (38) provided some respite for the Brave, but the Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting them to a modest total of 103.

In response, the Fire’s openers, Tammy Beaumont and Matthews, put on a batting masterclass. Beaumont’s 59* (40) was a display of power and finesse, while Matthews’ unbeaten 35 (31) showcased her ability to find the gaps. The pair shared a 72-run partnership, guiding the Fire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare.

Matthews’ all-round brilliance has been a key factor in the Fire’s success this season. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her an invaluable asset to the team.

“We’ve been really good,” Matthews said. “We’ve got a lot of experience, and we’ve played on that really well. The bowlers have done a great job, and it’s been a complete team performance.”

The Fire’s victory puts them in a strong position to finish top of the standings and qualify automatically for the Hundred Final at Lord’s. They will face Trent Rockets on Wednesday afternoon, with a convincing win potentially securing them the top spot.

Santner's Sensational Catch Wins Match for Northern Superchargers

Santner’s Sensational Catch Wins Match for Northern Superchargers

Catches Win Matches: Mitchell Santner’s Stunning Grab for Northern Superchargers

The adage “catches win matches” has been proven true countless times in the annals of cricket history. A spectacular catch can turn the tide of a game, and such was the case in the recent match between Northern Superchargers and London Spirit in The Hundred at Headingley, Leeds.

London Spirit, batting first, saw their innings opened by Michael Pepper and Keaton Jennings. In the 11th over, Pepper attempted to loft a delivery from Reece Topley over mid-on. Mitchell Santner, fielding at that position, gave chase.

With his eyes fixed on the swirling ball, Santner charged back from mid-on and executed a breathtaking catch with a dive at deep mid-on. Pepper was dismissed for 3, leaving London Spirit reeling at 111/8 after their 100 balls.

Santner’s catch was a testament to his exceptional fielding skills and quick reflexes. It not only removed a dangerous batsman but also boosted the morale of the Northern Superchargers team.

The catch was widely praised on social media, with many fans hailing it as one of the best catches of the tournament. The official Twitter handle of The Hundred shared a video of the catch, which quickly went viral.

Northern Superchargers went on to win the match by 21 runs (DLS Method), thanks in no small part to Santner’s stunning catch. It was a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of modern cricket, the art of fielding remains paramount.

London Spirit Triumph Over Northern Superchargers, Keep Play-Off Hopes Alive

London Spirit Triumph Over Northern Superchargers, Keep Play-Off Hopes Alive

London Spirit’s Heather Knight and Deepti Sharma orchestrated a commanding seven-wicket victory over Northern Superchargers at Headingley in the Hundred, propelling their team into contention for the play-off stages while eliminating their opponents.

The Spirit’s bowlers set the tone, dismantling the Superchargers’ top order within the first 14 deliveries. Tara Norris, Eva Gray, and Dani Gibson each claimed a wicket, including the prized scalp of Phoebe Litchfield. Annabel Sutherland attempted to salvage the innings, but her dismissal off Deepti’s bowling extinguished any hopes of a substantial total. Alice Davidson-Richards’ 33 provided some respite, but the Superchargers’ 99 for 7 felt inadequate.

In the chase, Meg Lanning’s early sixes propelled the Spirit ahead of the required run rate. Linsey Smith briefly raised Superchargers’ hopes with three wickets, but Knight and Deepti’s partnership proved unbreakable. Their patient approach transformed into an acceleration towards the end, securing the victory with relative ease.

Deepti, the Meerkat Match Hero, attributed the triumph to the bowlers’ execution and her own adaptability to challenging conditions. She emphasized the team’s focus on their own performances and their anticipation of the upcoming fixtures that will determine the final play-off standings.

Tired Pitches Blamed for Low Scores in The Hundred

Tired Pitches Blamed for Low Scores in The Hundred

The Hundred, a fast-paced cricket tournament, has witnessed a significant decline in scoring this season, with the average first-innings total dropping from 155 last year to 133 this year. Trent Rockets captain Lewis Gregory believes that the culprit lies in the condition of the pitches.

Gregory attributes the low scores to “tired” pitches, which have been affected by the heavy rainfall experienced in the UK this summer. He notes that the Hundred’s balls, which have extra lacquer for branding purposes, tend to swing more than the standard white Kookaburras used in other competitions. This combination, coupled with the deteriorating pitches, has made it challenging for batters to score freely.

The Rockets’ recent loss to Birmingham Phoenix, where they were bowled out for 118, exemplified the difficulties faced by batters. Gregory highlighted the substantial new-ball movement, which has been a common theme in the Hundred this year.

“You’re seeing the ball get off straight a lot, which obviously makes it difficult to whack out of the park when the ball is moving around,” Gregory said. “There’s a lot of cricket throughout the English summer and [we are] coming towards the back end. There are a few tired wickets that bring spinners into the game, and then there’s a few wickets that have done a lot for the seamers.”

Gregory’s observations are supported by the fact that the average first-innings score in the women’s Hundred has remained relatively unchanged from last year. Some pundits suggest that the women’s game has benefited from groundstaff leaving more grass on pitches, providing a more balanced surface.

In a bid to overcome the challenges posed by the pitches, the Rockets employed a tactical move during their loss to Phoenix. They retired Imad Wasim out with 14 balls remaining, sending in Chris Green to target a short leg-side boundary. Gregory explained that the decision was made to introduce a right-handed batter to exploit the shorter side.

Gregory believes that retiring batters out tactically will become more common in the Hundred’s shorter format. “We’ve spoken about it throughout the competition and everyone’s been happy, if there’s a case to retire someone, everyone’s comfortable with that,” he said. “The shorter the format, you will see it a bit more… there’s not much time, and if you think someone’s not quite got the surface or the opposite down, it is giving someone else an opportunity to be able to do that.”

Trent Rockets Snatch Three-Wicket Win to Keep Hundred Hopes Alive

Trent Rockets Snatch Three-Wicket Win to Keep Hundred Hopes Alive

Trent Rockets emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston, keeping their Hundred campaign alive. The Rockets, who entered the match tied on points with Northern Superchargers, secured a three-wicket win with just three balls remaining.

Birmingham Phoenix, without injured captain Sophie Devine, endured a shaky start, losing three wickets within the first 15 balls. Alexa Stonehouse dismissed Ellyse Perry, while Nat Sciver-Brunt accounted for Fran Wilson and Amy Jones. However, Sterre Kalis and Richa Ghosh steadied the innings with a record 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Kalis scored 47 off 44, while Ghosh contributed 41 off 36.

Sciver-Brunt, who finished with figures of 2 for 16, and Ashleigh Gardner, who took 2 for 17, played crucial roles in restricting Phoenix to 112 for 6.

In response, Trent Rockets lost early wickets, but Sciver-Brunt and Gardner put the visitors in control of the chase. However, a flurry of wickets between balls 70-80, including a run-out from Perry, made the task more challenging.

A debatable no-ball call reprieved Josie Groves, and Katie George joined Groves at the crease to guide the Rockets home.

“We probably got ahead of ourselves a bit earlier and gave ourselves a bit of relief towards the end,” said Sciver-Brunt. “It’s still all in our hands, if we beat the Oval Invincibles in our last game then we will be in that top three.”

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