Oval Invincibles v Manchester Originals at the Kia Oval on 21 July
Before the match, South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp told ‘Metro’ sports reporters about feeling outside her comfort zone. Fellow South African Dane van Niekerk had told the Press that the ‘five-ball-over’ took some getting used to.
On the day, 7400 spectators witnessed Marizanne Kapp making history as she took the inaugural ‘100’ wicket. Sadly, England wannabe Emma Lamb lasted only two balls.
Originals finished with 17 ‘fours’ and 2 ‘sixes.’ Harmanpreet Kaur made top score (29 off 16) at a strike rate of nearly two-runs-per-ball (1.812.) Both ‘sixes’ were struck late in the innings by bowlers-turned-batters Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone. Tash Farrant took three wickets, including Sophie Ecclestone – who was stumped by keeper Sarah Bryce.
Invincibles got off to a poor start, losing their first three wickets for 12 runs. Originals skipper Kate Cross had a ‘belter-of-a-day’ taking two early wickets with consecutive balls. Firstly, Alice Capsey was caught behind; followed by Grace Gibbs – who fell for a golden duck.
Partners Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp mounted a rescue plan, adding 72 for Invincibles’ fifth wicket and that made for an exciting finish. Both van Niekerk (56* runs from 42 balls) and Mady Villiers (16* from 8) scored final over ‘fours’ to snatch victory with two balls to spare.
Result: Oval Invincibles (Women) 139/5 (19.3 overs) beat Manchester Originals (Women) 135/6 (20 overs) by 5 wickets and two balls remaining
Manchester Originals: 135/6 at 6.75 runs-per-over: South African opener Lizelle Lee made top score (42.) Harmanpreet Kaur (29 off 16) made top strike rate, shy of two-runs-per-ball, Georgina Boyce 21 from 19; Invincibles bowling: Tash Farrant 3/25, Marizanne Kapp 2/20, Mady Villiers 1/29; Fow 1-4, 2-59,3-96, 4-108, 5-113, 6-133
Oval Invincibles 139/5 (6.9 r.p.o): Dane van Niekerk 56*runs from 42 balls, Marizanne Kapp 38 from 29; Mady Villiers 16* from 8; Originals bowling: Kate Cross 28/3, Sophie Ecclestone 23/1, Laura Jackson 16/1; Fow 1-7, 2-7, 3-12, 4-36, 5-108
