Superchargers and Brave Tie in Thrilling Hundred Encounter

Superchargers and Brave Tie in Thrilling Hundred Encounter

Northern Superchargers and Southern Brave played out a thrilling tie in the Hundred, with Kate Cross scrambling two runs off the final ball to level the scores.

On a slow and used wicket, boundary-hitting was at a premium, and Superchargers’ chase of 100 was a tense affair. Southern Brave, led by captain Georgia Adams, used the conditions to their advantage, keeping the stumps in play and applying constant pressure.

Lauren Bell was the standout performer for Brave, taking 4 for 11 with her accurate seam bowling. Phoebe Litchfield and Alice Davidson-Richards looked to have the chase under control for Superchargers, but both were dismissed at crucial moments.

Only Maia Bouchier and Chloe Tryon passed 20 for Southern Brave, but Rhianna Southby and Bell played important roles with the bat, guiding their team to a three-figure total.

Superchargers’ chase was always behind the required rate, and they needed 10 runs from the final five balls. Cross hit a boundary off the fourth ball, and then scrambled two runs off the final delivery to secure the tie.

Both sides will feel they missed the opportunity to get their first win of the Hundred, but the tie was a fair reflection of a closely contested match.

Oval Invincibles Triumph Over Welsh Fire with Capsey's Brilliance

Oval Invincibles Triumph Over Welsh Fire with Capsey’s Brilliance

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in their clash against Welsh Fire at Cardiff, securing a six-wicket triumph. England’s rising star, Alice Capsey, once again showcased her brilliance, contributing a well-crafted 59 runs to the Invincibles’ total.

Capsey’s innings, spanning 48 deliveries, featured seven boundaries. Her dismissal, a spectacular catch by Hayley Matthews off Freya Davies, came with 27 runs still required. However, all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (26*) and Mady Villiers (11*) stepped up to the plate, guiding the Invincibles to victory with 12 balls to spare.

The Invincibles’ chase faced an early setback with the dismissal of Lauren Winfield-Hill on the second ball. Paige Schofield and Capsey steadied the innings, reaching 37 for 1 after 20 balls. Capsey survived a crucial drop by Ismail off Jess Jonassen and went on to reach her half-century from 42 deliveries.

Welsh Fire, who elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum. Tammy Beaumont departed early, followed by the dangerous Hayley Matthews. Sophia Dunkley’s 35 from 26 balls provided some resistance, but Amanda-Jade Wellington’s dismissal of Dunkley and Jonassen’s unbeaten 32 from 22 balls left Welsh Fire with a below-par total of 116 for 5.

Capsey, named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on the pace in the powerplay and building partnerships. She also emphasized her improved calmness, which has contributed to her success.

Trent Rockets Spinners Dominate, Secure 20-Run Victory over Northern Superchargers

Trent Rockets Spinners Dominate, Secure 20-Run Victory over Northern Superchargers

Trent Rockets commenced their Hundred campaign with a resounding 20-run victory over Northern Superchargers at Headingley, showcasing the prowess of their spin attack.

Chasing a modest target of 124 on a dry pitch, the Superchargers faltered, mustering only 103 all out in 97 deliveries. Australian legspinner Alana King emerged as the tormentor-in-chief, claiming two crucial wickets for just 17 runs. Her mesmerizing delivery that dismissed Bess Heath would have drawn applause from the legendary Shane Warne.

Lucy Higham’s valiant 26 was the highest score for the Superchargers, but King, alongside fellow spinners Kirstie Gordon and Ash Gardner, tightened the screws. Aussie seamer Heather Graham also impressed with three wickets for 13 runs.

Earlier, Grace Scrivens set the tone for the Rockets, showcasing her brilliance with six boundaries in her 32-run knock off 22 deliveries. However, her innings was cut short by Annabel Sutherland, who also accounted for Bryony Smith’s wicket.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, in a commendable all-round performance, remained unbeaten on 36 from 34 balls. Despite her efforts, the Superchargers’ fielding was exceptional, restricting the Rockets to 123 for 5. Sutherland’s three wickets, including Katie George’s lbw dismissal, proved crucial in limiting the visitors’ total.

The Superchargers’ batting faltered, falling short of the target as the Rockets secured a commanding victory.

“The wicket offered some turn and grip, which was beneficial for us,” King remarked. “We kept our plans simple and it paid off. I relish pitches with some spin, and I’m delighted to have contributed.”

King expressed her satisfaction with the delivery that bowled Heath, describing it as a “leg-spinner’s dream.” She also praised the contributions of fellow Australians Gardner and Graham, highlighting the team’s camaraderie.

Dunkley's Heroics Guide Welsh Fire to Victory Over Manchester Originals

Dunkley’s Heroics Guide Welsh Fire to Victory Over Manchester Originals

Welsh Fire emerged victorious over Manchester Originals in a thrilling encounter at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a seven-wicket triumph in the Hundred. Sophia Dunkley’s masterful 69 from 47 deliveries proved pivotal in guiding her side to victory, despite a mid-innings wobble.

Manchester Originals posted a modest total of 113 for 7, with captain Sophie Ecclestone’s late cameo of 27 from 15 balls providing a glimmer of hope. However, Welsh Fire’s bowling attack, led by Jess Jonassen’s three wickets, kept the Originals in check.

Dunkley’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability. She initially struggled to time the ball, but as she settled into her rhythm, she began to find the boundaries with ease. Her calculated risks against Ecclestone in the final overs proved decisive, as she guided Welsh Fire to victory with four balls to spare.

Ecclestone’s innings had earlier given the Originals a fighting chance. Her lusty blows for six showcased her power-hitting prowess. However, the Originals’ batting lineup failed to capitalize on the solid start provided by Laura Woolvardt and Beth Mooney, who had raced to a 58-run partnership.

Dunkley’s half-century continued a trend of England Women’s players excelling in the Hundred. Her performance echoed the sentiments of head coach Jon Lewis, who had challenged his players to dominate the competition.

“It got a bit closer than we thought,” admitted Dunkley after the match. “I didn’t feel in the innings for the first half. But once you got the pace of the wicket, it was easier. At the end, I had to take some calculated risks, and luckily we got over the line.”

Welsh Fire’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They overcame a mid-innings slump and executed their game plan with precision. As they look ahead to the rest of the Hundred, they will be confident in their ability to challenge for the title.

Heather Knight Masterclass Stuns Southern Brave in The Hundred

Heather Knight Masterclass Stuns Southern Brave in The Hundred

London Spirit’s Heather Knight orchestrated a stunning six-wicket victory over reigning champions Southern Brave in a thrilling encounter at The Hundred. Chasing 152, Knight’s unbeaten 65 from 31 balls proved decisive, guiding her team to victory with three deliveries to spare.

Southern Brave’s innings was anchored by Danni Wyatt’s 59 from 35 balls, making her The Hundred’s all-time leading run-scorer. Maia Bouchier contributed 35 before a mix-up with Wyatt led to her run-out. Georgia Adams and Chloe Tryon propelled Brave to 151 for 6.

Spirit’s reply began slowly, with Meg Lanning dismissed by 16-year-old debutant Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Georgia Redmayne provided momentum with 45 from 31, before Charli Knott’s direct hit removed Dani Gibson.

Knight took charge, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Knott to bring Spirit back into contention. Despite Knott’s dismissal of Gibson, Knight remained composed, dispatching Adams to the boundary for the winning runs.

Knight’s match-winning performance earned her the Meerkat Match Hero award. She acknowledged the difficulty of beating Brave at home and praised Wyatt’s innings. Knight emphasized the importance of clear shot selection and the impact of the quick outfield in enabling Spirit to catch up quickly.

Oval Invincibles Crush Birmingham Phoenix in Hundred Opener

Oval Invincibles Crush Birmingham Phoenix in Hundred Opener

Oval Invincibles, the two-time Hundred champions, kicked off the fourth season of the tournament with a dominant 45-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix. Paige Scholfield, batting at the top of the order in place of Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, led the charge with a sparkling 71.

Scholfield and England’s Alice Capsey formed a formidable partnership, putting on 90 runs for the second wicket. Capsey contributed 52 runs, and the duo shared 17 boundaries. Their explosive batting threatened to set a new record in the Hundred women’s competition.

However, a flurry of late wickets slowed down the Invincibles’ progress. Nevertheless, they set a challenging target of 150 runs for Birmingham Phoenix.

The Phoenix’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets with just 32 runs on the board. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and Birmingham local Amy Jones offered some resistance, but the Invincibles’ bowling attack proved too strong.

Australian legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington was the standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets for just nine runs. Her economical spell helped restrict the Phoenix to 105 runs, securing a comfortable 45-run victory for the Invincibles.

Scholfield, named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her delight at her performance. She credited her success to the support of Lauren Winfield-Hill and her trust in her own abilities.

The Invincibles’ victory sets the tone for the upcoming Hundred season, showcasing the exciting and competitive nature of the tournament.

Overseas Stars Face Hundred Clash with Major League Cricket

Overseas Stars Face Hundred Clash with Major League Cricket

The Hundred, England’s premier domestic T20 competition, faces a scheduling clash with Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, potentially depriving the tournament of several overseas stars.

MLC’s inaugural season concluded two days before the Hundred’s launch last year, but this year, the leagues will overlap by six days in July. The Hundred’s group stage commences on July 23, while MLC runs until the final on July 28, with knockout fixtures starting on July 24.

Twelve of the 24 overseas players contracted in the men’s Hundred have already been announced as signings or retentions in MLC, and more could follow. Most of these players will remain in the US until their respective MLC franchises are eliminated.

Stephen Fleming, coach of Southern Brave in the Hundred and Texas Super Kings in MLC, is expected to prioritize the Hundred, ensuring his arrival in the UK before Brave’s opening match on July 24.

Depending on the MLC playoff participants, some Hundred teams could be without multiple overseas players for their opening fixtures. Southern Brave, for instance, could miss Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, and Finn Allen, who are all playing in MLC.

MLC’s player salaries surpassed those of the Hundred last year, with the top salary reaching approximately £135,000 for a minimum of five games. In contrast, the Hundred’s top salary was £125,000 for a minimum of eight games.

The Hundred’s opening week will likely lack star power due to the clash with the third England vs West Indies Test at Edgbaston. Availability is better in the women’s Hundred, with only a brief overlap with the Asia Cup.

MLC begins on July 5 and features a 21-match group stage, with each team playing seven fixtures. The knockout stage includes an Eliminator, Qualifier, Challenger, and final.

MLC has attracted several Australian players this year, including Steven Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Two MLC franchises have ties to Australian states, while a Seattle Orcas squad recently toured Queensland.

The ECB’s plan to sell equity stakes in Hundred teams to private investors aims to attract top overseas players. The ECB hopes to gift a 51% share in each team to its host county and sell the remaining 49% by the end of the year, sharing the revenue across the English game.

Overseas Stars Set to Light Up The Hundred Draft

Overseas Stars Set to Light Up The Hundred Draft

The Hundred draft, scheduled for March 20, promises an exciting pool of overseas players, including David Warner, Kane Williamson, Meg Lanning, and Smriti Mandhana. Warner, previously absent from the competition, is now available for £100,000, while Williamson, who missed the first season due to injury, can be acquired for £75,000.

In the women’s draft, Mandhana joins Ashleigh Gardner, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma as the top-priced players at £50,000. Lanning, who has also withdrawn in the past, is available for £40,000, alongside Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland. India’s contingent includes Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, and Shikha Pandey.

The men’s draft features seven players in the £125,000 bracket, including Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, and Daryl Mitchell. Kieron Pollard, Shamar Joseph, Sikandar Raza, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Naseem Shah are all priced at £100,000.

Notable England players in the draft include Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Amy Jones, and Lauren Filer. Malan, a winner with Trent Rockets in 2022, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition. Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, the Player of the Tournament in the recent WBBL, is also eager to join the Hundred.

The draft will be held at the Shard in London and broadcast live on YouTube, TikTok, and the Hundred website. Birmingham Phoenix will have the first pick in the women’s draft, while Northern Superchargers will start the men’s draft.

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