Played as a ‘dead rubber,’ both teams had insufficient points to qualify for the tournament’s next stage. England’s Charlie Dean skippered ’Spirit’ to victory by a wide margin. Grace Harris (from Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League) hit top-score of 87 runs (from 47 balls) to bag herself a commemorative POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal. ’Spirit’s’ consolation win ensured they ‘finished on a high’ in sixth place with 6 points (from 2 wins and 4 losses); nudging ‘Originals’ to finish the group stage seventh in the standings table. For ‘Phoenix’ as ‘spoonists’ three wafer-thin defeats by exactly the same margin of three runs was ‘miserable:’ [‘home’ to ‘Fire’ (Aug 10); ‘away’ to ‘Brave’ (Aug 16); & ’Rockets’ (19.)] Had ‘Phoenix’ won these three matches, the top three teams already qualified for the finals could have been slightly different. Introduced for SKY Sports by Charles Dagnall with Alex Tudor & Kevin Pietersen (former England players); and guests Lauren Winfield-Hill & Heather Knight; plus NZ TV personality (& ex NZ player) Simon Doull. Match highlights courtesy of SKY Sports and ‘The Hundred,’ (please see below.) Weather at Edgbaston was cloudy with occasional sunny spells, with no need for floodlights.

LS-W *Stand-in skipper Charlie Dean. *[Amy Jones keeping wicket for ‘Phoenix’] *International players Richa Ghosh (India), Grace Harris (Australia WBBL) Amelia Kerr (NZ); plus Tara Norris (US.) *England’s Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson & Lauren Filer *Including U19’s Sophie Munro. Debutante Sophie Luff (replacing Heather Knight, who was on commentary.) *With little deviation from ‘swing,’ opener Grace Harris scored easily from Issy Wong’s extended ‘set-of-five’ with ’six’ & 2 ‘fours.’ *After hitting 2 ‘fours,’ Dani Gibson 18(10) was bowled beneath-her-bat by a ‘yorker,’ knocking back ’leg-stump,’ from Charis Paveley (1/29) *After 25 balls power-play, ’Spirit’ were 50/1 & reached 87/1 by ‘mid-way.’ *2 balls later, Amelia Kerr 17(17) was caught low-down at ‘mid-on,’ by Sophie Devine, from Katie Levick (1/29.) *Sophie Luff 3(5) top-edged to the boundary, caught deep of ‘backward-square’ by Issy Wong, from Erin Burns (1/26.) *With 16 balls remaining, Grace Harris and Richa Ghosh struck 3 ’sixes’ between them, until  Richa Ghosh was ‘run-out’ by Sophie Devine re-directing Tess Flintoff’s throw to the striker’s end where Amy Jones broke-the-wicket. *Grace Scrivens 6*not out (5) partnered Grace Harris, boosted ‘Spirit’s’ total by 20 runs from 11 balls until Grace Harris 87(47) was ‘run out’ by Tess Flintoff, from Emily Arlott’s last ball. *Best ‘Spirit’ batters was Grace Harris 87(47); *Best ‘Phoenix’ bowler Erin Burns 1/26

BP-W *Skipper Evelyn ‘Eve’ Jones [*’Spirit’ keeper Richa Ghosh] *International players Sophie Devine (NZ), Erin Burns & Tess Flintoff (Australia, WBBL), Sterre Kalis (NL) with Amy Jones, Issy Wong (England) & u-19’s World Cup player Charis Paveley. Without Hannah Baker. *Sophie Devine 4(3) ‘top-edged’ to ‘deep-square,’ caught by diving Amelia Kerr, from Dani Gibson. *3rd Umpire confirmed Amelia Kerr caught with her fingers beneath. *Lauren Filer’s first set-of-five plus 2 ‘no balls’ gifted 22 runs. *Tess Flintoff 2(3) played-on from her inner-thigh to Charlie Dean’s (1/14) 3rd delivery, said to ‘miss a ‘sweep shot’ through ‘mid-wicket.’’ *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ Phoenix were level-pegging: 46/2 (vs 50/1) *3 balls later, Sterre Kalis 28(16) went plumb ’leg before’ to Sarah Glenn, confirming ‘Umpire’s call’ via ‘Hawk-Eye’ ball-tracking. *With Sarah Glenn paired with Amelia Kerr, Erin Burns and Amy Jones scampered ‘ones’ and ‘twos’ when the asking rate was 2-runs-per-ball. *Firstly, Amy Jones 14 (14) drove straight to ‘extra cover,’ caught by Charlie Dean from Amelia Kerr. *Four balls later, Erin Burns 13(8) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Dani Gibson, also from Amelia Kerr. *By mid-way ‘Phoenix’ were 78/5 (vs 87/1.) ’Phoenix’s’ 5 remaining wickets fell at short intervals.*Abbey Freeborn 12(10) was ‘run out’ by Dani Gibson’s throw from deep-mid-wicket to Richa Ghosh at the striker’s end; when going for a second run. *Secondly, Eve Jones 12(11) threw away her wicket coming down-the-wicket, to Amelia Kerr’s spin; ‘bowled’ rather than ’stumped.’ *7 balls later, Issy Wong 1(3) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Amelia Kerr, bowled by Dani Gibson (2/11)*Emily Arlott 5(6) was caught ‘nonchalantly,’ by Grace Harris – said to be a ‘fine catch that hung-in-the-air,’ from Sarah Glenn (2/22) Finally, on 99/9, Katie Levick 0(3) was bowled by ‘Spirit’s’ best bowler Amelia Kerr (4/13) for a 3rd ball ‘duck.’ *Best ‘Phoenix’ batter was Sterre Kalis 28(16).

Match summary: ’Spirit’s’ innings was dominated by Grace Harris ‘phenomenal power-hitting,’ setting the ‘competition’s second-highest team score’ 172/5; second-only to ‘Welsh Fire’s’ 181/3 (Aug 14.) “Phoenix’ batters became frustrated when losing wickets at regular intervals, whenever batters took risks to accelerate their score. ’Spirit’s’ best bowler NZ’s Amelia Kerr took a ‘4-fer’ and told commentators she was ‘happy’ with her figures. Appreciating it was ‘pretty good’ to finish the tournament on a ‘high,’ POTM Meerkat Match HeroGrace Harris told Alex Tudor she wanted to ‘roll-up the wicket’ (to play again on that perfect pitch); ‘had a ball,’ with her bat (named ‘zinger-stacker,’ after a ’well known’ Aussie burger.) Grace Harris added that she’d ‘enjoyed being skippered’ by Heather Knight, rather than play against her; and she wouldn’t rule-out returning for next year’s tournament: a definite ‘maybe.‘

Match result: London Spirit Women 172/5 beat Birmingham Phoenix Women 99/10 by 73 runs (with 24 balls remaining)

*’Spirit’s’ batting: 172/5 (from 100 balls@1.7 runs-per-ball) Grace Harris 87(47), Richa Ghosh 29(17), Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 18(10), Amelia Kerr 17(17); ‘Phoenix’s’ bowling: Erin Burns (1/26), Katie Levick (1/29), Charis Paveley (1/29); Fow 1-46, 2-87, 3-103, 4-151, 5-172.

*‘Phoenix’s’ batting: 99/10 (from 76/100 balls@1.3 runs-per-ball) Sterre Kalis 28(16), Amy Jones 14(14), Erin Burns 13(8), Abbey Freeborn 12(10), Eve Jones 12(11); ’Spirit’s’ bowling: Amelia Kerr 4/13, Dani Gibson 2/11, Sarah Glenn 2/22, Charlie Dean 1/14; Fow 1-5, 2-31, 3-47, 4-66, 5-69, 6-88, 7-92, 8-97, 9-99, 10-99.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000748

*Match highlights (6m28s) courtesy of Sky Sports & ‘The Hundred’ @URL https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/12946760/london-spirit-destroy-birmingham-phoenix-as-harris-hits-87-runs-off-47-balls

*Standings @URL https://www.thehundred.com/standings/

Before the match, ‘Fire’ were said to have gathered ‘team momentum’ with ‘one-foot-in-the-door’ and ‘needed and wanted’ to qualify for the next stage of the tournament. ‘Fire’ attained this year’s 3rd highest Women’s score-to-date (2023) to win the match by a comfortable margin. ‘Fire’ have knocked-out ‘Rockets,’ and leapfroged ‘Superchargers’ into second place. Only three top teams: (‘Brave,’ ‘Superchargers’ & Fire’) ‘qualify for the next stage. Welsh commentator Robert Croft said that ‘big players’ had played ‘big innings’ and was convinced there was just ‘one more step to go’ before ‘Welsh Fire’ lifted the tournament’s trophy. Key to ‘Fire’s’ success was POTM Meerkat Match Hero Sophia Dunkley [68 runs from 48 balls] who top-scored with ‘fifty’ from her bat. Sophia Dunkley also took 2 wickets with the ball (2/15.) Introduced by Mark Butcher, Eoin Morgan & Robert Croft MBE (former England players); & Natalie Germanos (Rep. South Africa); with guest player Steven Finn. Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather at Cardiff was overcast, with grey clouds and a detectable cross-breeze

WF-W skipper Tammy Beaumont [*Spirit keeper ‘Richa Ghosh’] *Internationals Shabnim Ismail (announced as ‘former’ Rep. South Africa & just retired from playing International cricket), Laura Harris (Australia Women’s Big Bash League), and Hayley Matthews (2nd game.) *England’s Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley & Freya Davies; with Alex Hartley (ex England) & Scotland’s Sarah Bryce. *Play started around 15h00, following early morning drizzle, without any overs lost. *At mid-way after 50 balls, ‘Fire’ were 75/0. *Tammy Beaumont 40(28) was clean-bowled by Sophie Munro’s Yorker, said to be a ’slower ball.’ *Next ball, Laura Harris 0(1) ‘who was yet to make any impact’ went for a ‘golden-duck’ upon review; snicked to keeper Richa Ghosh from Sophie Munro (2/24) *Drinks were taken after 75 balls, ‘Fire’ 118/2. *Scoring her second competition fifty’ this season, Sophia Dunkley 68(48) was caught by Lauren Filer from Amelia Kerr (1/27.)*Recovering from a shoulder injury, Hayley Matthews 36(23) who ‘added quality,’ was ’very good on the off-side;’ but was ‘run-out’ from the last ball. *Sarah Bryce who struck her first ball for ’six was 7*not out(2.) *’Fire’s’ best batter was Sophia Dunkley 68(48) *’Spirit’s’ best bowler was Sophie Munro (2/24.)

LS-W Skipper Heather Knight. *[Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for ‘Fire’] *International players Richa Ghosh (India), Grace Harris (Australia WBBL) Amelia Kerr (NZ); plus Tara Norris (US.) *England’s Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Dani Gibson & Lauren Filer *Including U19’s Sophie Munro (recalled for 2nd match) *Dani Gibson 18(7)went ‘leg-before’ to Shabnim Ismail. *Amelia Kerr 5(6) was caught by Tammy Beaumont from Claire Nicholas (1/21.) *Grace Harris 10(10) went ‘leg-before’ to Shabnim Ismail (2/26.) *By mid-way, 89 runs were needed, from 50 balls remaining. *Richa Ghosh 34(26) was caught at ‘short-third’ by Hayley Matthews, bowled by Sophia Dunkley *Heather Knight 34(28) was played-on from an ‘inside-edge’ from Sophia Dunkley (2/15.) *Without any opportunity to ‘play-herself-in,’ Sarah Glenn 2(3) was caught by Georgia Elwiss, bowled by Alex Hartley (1/20.) *Sophie Munro 0(2) was snicked an edge to keeper  Sarah Bryce from Freya Davies (1/35); and went for a ‘second-ball duck’ upon review, from a ‘good-length’ ball. *Lauren Filer was 4*not out (5) *Best ‘Spirit’ batters was Richa Ghosh 34(26); *Best ‘Fire’ bowler was Sophia Dunkley (2/15.)

Match summary: ‘Fire’ went off to a flying-start, until Sophie Munro had ‘immediate impact,’ deceiving skipper Tammy Beaumont 40(28 by her slower-ball. Tammy Beaumont went top of the batting leader-board with 253 runs-to-date; overtaking Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield (226.) Sophia Dunkley had ‘a superb knock,’ scoring her second competition ‘fifty’ this season, said to ‘create a platform’ for what turned out to be this year’s third highest team score, despite more use of ‘spin’ than ‘seam.’ Commentators lauded ‘Fire’ for their ‘wonderfully constructed’ innings’ with ‘good running’ between the wickets. Receiving her POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal from Eoin Morgan, Sophia Dunkley had taken ’time away’ and came back to play some ‘great’ cricket. Standings after 7 rounds (at time of writing): ‘Brave’ 1st (12 points); ‘Fire’ 2nd (11 points); ’Superchargers’ 3rd (10 points.) One match remaining when ‘Fire’ play ‘Superchargers’ at the group stage – also a ‘dress rehearsal,’ if playing ‘Superchargers’ in the ‘eliminator.’ Latest table @URL https://www.thehundred.com/standings/

Match result: Welsh Fire Women 161/4 beat London Spirit Women 138/7 by 3 wickets

*’Fire’s’ batting: 161/4 (from 100 balls @1.6 runs-per-over) Sophia Dunkley  68(48); Tammy Beaumont 40(28), Hayley Matthews 36(23); *’Spirit’s’ bowling: Sophie Munro (2/24), Amelia Kerr (1/27); Fow 1-75, 2-75, 3-153, 4-161. *’Spirit’s’ batting: 138/7 (from 100 balls @1.3 r-p-o) Heather Knight 27(21), Richa Ghosh 23(18), Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 18(7), Grace Harris 10(10); ‘Fire’ s’ bowling: Sophia Dunkley 2/15; Shabnim Ismail 2/26, Alex Hartley 1/20, Freya Davies 1/35, Claire Nicholas 1/21; Fow 1-22, 2-28, 3-34, 4-102, 5-107, 6-110, 7-115.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000744

*Match highlights (6m55) courtesy of Sky Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket/12944118/tammy-beaumont-leads-welsh-fire-into-the-hundred-knockout-stages-with-win-over-london-spirit

Commentators set the scene with ‘Spirit’ standing outside the ‘Last Chance Saloon’ to stay in the competition, before 14,500 spectators.’ Drama struck when batter Kate Cross was ‘dropped,’ held her nerve and partner Georgia Wareham scored the winning run from the penultimate match ball. Commentators lauded Phoebe Litchfield (Australia), said to be ‘in fantastic form,’ ‘held-the-key’ and (at time of writing’) tops the Women’s tournament batting-leader-board. POTM Meerkat Match Hero Phoebe Litchfield caught Grace Harris (fellow ’big-bash league’ WBBL player); and ‘ran out’ England’s Charlie Dean. Scoring a match-winning 38 (from 34 balls) Phoebe Litchfield paid tribute to batting partner Bess Heath (pictured) who hit 18 runs from just 8 balls, setting-up a close finish. Top-three teams (including ‘Brave,’ & ‘Superchargers’): guaranteed to qualify for the finals. Introduced for SKY TV by Ian Ward with Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE (Director of Women’s cricket at Surrey,) Eoin Morgan & Kevin Pietersen (ex-England) & Ravi Shastri (former India coach.) Also with Stuart Broad (Ashes series.) Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather at Lords was described as ‘perfect’ for playing cricket, albeit that cricket pundits ‘had their doubts’ about the playing conditions; following early showers of rain.

LS-W Skipper Heather Knight. *[Bess Heath keeping wicket for ’Superchargers’] *International players Richa Ghosh (India), Grace Harris (Australia WBBL) Amelia Kerr (NZ); plus Tara Norris (US.) *England’s Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson & newly recruited Lauren Filer, now the fastest bowler in the women’s competition (72mph.) *Including U19’s Niamh Holland. *Niamh Holland 2(4) was stumped by keeper Bess Heath (who appealed for ‘leg before,’ from Grace Ballinger); when seen by the keeper ’wandering’ down-the-pitch – showing a ‘clear sign’ of nerves. *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ ‘Spirit’ were 22/1. *After launching ‘six’ over ‘Cow corner,’ ‘Spirit’s’ ‘stand-out performer’ Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 24(17) lost her off-stump to Georgia Wareham.*Grace Harris’ 5(7) bat hit ’toe-end,’ caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Phoebe Litchfield, from Linsey Smith’s high ‘full-toss.’ *After facing 7 ‘dot’ balls, skipper Heather Knight 13(17) was ‘run-out’ by her opposing skipper Hollie Armitage from ‘mid-on,’ who made a direct-hit from her underarm-throw. *By mid-way, ’Spirit’ were 53/4 *Richa Ghosh partnership with Amelia Kerr added 37 runs from 26 balls. *Richa Ghosh 21(15) was caught by Kate Cross from Lucy Higham (1/14) *Sarah Glenn 1(4) was caught at ‘square’ by Lucy Higham from Alice Davidson-Richards’ slower bouncer  *Charlie Dean 4(4) was ‘run-out’ by Phoebe Litchfield at the striker’s-end, from the final innings ball.*’Spirit’s’ best batter, Amelia Kerr made ‘fifty,’ closing 60*not out (32.) ‘Superchargers’’ best bowler was Lucy Higham 1/14.

NSC-W *Skipper Hollie Armitage. [*Richa Ghosh keeping wicket for Spirit] *International players Phoebe Litchfield & Georgia Wareham (Australia), Jemimah Rodrigues (India); with England’s Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards & Bess Heath; England ‘A’’s Hollie Armitage, & Linsey Smith * U19’s Grace Ballinger. *Marie Kelly 5(7) ‘feathered’ an edge to keeper Richa Ghosh from Lauren Filer’s third ball (72mph) *Facing a dozen or so ‘dot’ balls during the ‘Power-play,’ ‘Superchargers’ were 29/1 (vs 22/1) after 25 balls; batters reportedly ‘frustrated.’ *Jemimah Rodrigues 30(20) played across-the-line, going ‘leg before’ to Sarah Glenn’s leg-spin (3/19.) *By mid-way, ’Superchargers’ were 63/2 (vs. 53/4). *Next ball, skipper Hollie Armitage 1(4) looped a ‘dolly’ straight to ‘point’ caught by Charlie Dean, from Amelia Kerr. *With fresh knowledge of her England ‘white-ball’ selection, Bess Heath hit England’s Dani Gibson’s seam for ’six.’ 4 balls later, Bess Heath 18(8) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Grace Harris, from Sarah Glenn’s spin (1/24.) *’Strategic time-out’ was taken, sparking a lively debate about its merits, with the game equally contested. *A ‘huge’ wicket when ‘in-form’ batter Phoebe Litchfield 38(34) was caught ‘in the covers’ by Alice Monaghan, from Amelia Kerr. *Alice Davidson-Richards 4(4) snicked-an-edge to Richa Ghosh from Sarah Glenn. *Grandstand finish as 15 runs were needed off the last 10 balls. *Tara Norris dropped Kate Cross, said to be: ‘the simplest of catches’ *Georgia Wareham 19*not out (11) & Kate Cross 15* not out (12) found ‘fours’ between fielders with one ball remaining. *Best ’Superchargers’’ batter was Phoebe Litchfield 38(34) *Best ‘Spirit’’ bowler was Sarah Glenn 3/19.

Match summary: *During the ‘Power-play, both teams peppered each other with ‘dot’ balls. By comparison, ‘Superchagers’ nudged ahead at mid-way, with 2 wickets advantage. ‘Spirit’s’ Amelia Kerr (NZ International) was the batter to score ‘fifty’ [closing 60*not out (32).] Beyond mid-way, POTM Meerkat Match Hero Phoebe Litchfield made top-score for ’Superchargers,’ partnered for 8 balls by Bess Heath. ‘Superchargers’ safely home by a wafer-thin margin, the result knocking ‘Spirit’ out of the competition. Following the match, ’Spirit’ were said to have taken ’Superchargers’ ‘to-the-wire;’ now finding themselves out of the tournament, but with two ‘dead rubbers’ remaining. Separately, commentators speculated that if ‘Rockets’ won their last two matches, they had an outside chance to qualify in place of ‘Fire’ with ‘net-run-rate,’ provided that ‘Fire’ lost their last two remaining matches. Standings (at time of writing): ’Superchargers’ have qualified for finals – joint-1st (10 points); ’Spirit’ 6th eliminated (4 points.) Latest table @URL https://www.thehundred.com/standings/

Match result: Northern Superchargers Women 136/6 beat London Spirit Women: 135/7 by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)

*’Spirit’s’ batting: 135/7 (from 100 balls @1.3 runs-per-ball); Amelia Kerr 60*not out (32), Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 24(17), Richa Ghosh 21(15), Heather Knight 13(17); *’Superchargers’’ bowling: Lucy Higham 1/14, Linsey Smith 1/16, Grace Ballinger 1/20, Alice Davidson-Richards 1/22, Georgia Wareham 1/34; Fow 1-8, 2-32, 3-43, 4-53, 5-90, 6-101, 7-135.

*’Superchargers’’ batting: 136/6 (from 99/100 balls @1.3 r-p-b); Phoebe Litchfield 38(34), Jemimah Rodrigues 30(20), Bess Heath 18(8), Georgia Wareham 19*not out (11), Kate Cross 15*not out(12); *‘Spirit’s’ bowling: Sarah Glenn 3/19, Amelia Kerr 2/24, Lauren Filer 1/32; Fow 1-7, 2-56, 3-63, 4-97, 5-99, 6-105.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000740

*Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/the-hundred/news/36890/12942434/the-hundred-amelia-kerr-stars-but-london-spirit-qualification-hopes-ended-by-northern-superchargers

Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit, at The Kia Oval (London South) on 15 August 2023. 

With both sides needing to bag valuable winning points to stay in the tournament, there was an air of optimism among 11,000 spectators for the London-Derby. Before the match, double-defending champions skipper Suzie Bates told SKY TV she’d been ‘a bit short’ on runs. Marizanne Kapp was also ‘short on runs’ but is joint-second with Shabnim Ismail (9 wickets); to Georgia Adams’ first-place on the bowler’s leading-wicket-taker’s leaderboard. During the match, Heather Knight’s ‘Spirit’ posted a ‘half-decent’ score, boosted by batter-turned-bowler Lauren Filer who hit 12 runs from ‘Spirit’s’ last 3 balls, partnered by Tara Norris. When bowling, POTM Meerkat Match Hero Tara Norris claimed wickets of ‘Invincibles’ in-form batters (Lauren Winfield-Hill & Paige Scholfield.) Commentators lauded Heather Knight for ‘using her experience’ to ensure that ‘Invincibles’ made an equally cautious start to that of her own team, and ‘applied great pressure’ to ‘close-down the game.’ ‘Spirit’s’ first win was said to dent ‘Invincibles’ aspirations to qualify in the top three to defend their title. Introduced by Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE, Director of Women’s cricket at Surrey. Also with Eoin Morgan, Mike Atherton (former England players); & James ‘Jimmy’ Anderson & Kate Cross (Ashes series.) Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather at Kennington was sunny with cumulus clouds, but colder than average for mid-August.

LS-W *Skipper Heather Knight. *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Invincibles] *International players Richa Ghosh (India), Grace Harris (Australia WBBL) Amelia Kerr (NZ); plus Tara Norris (US.) *England’s Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Dani Gibson (pictured); England ‘A’ Lauren Filer *Including U19’s Niamh Holland & Alice Monaghan; without Grace Scrivens. *Niamh Holland 0(2) was bowled ‘off-stump’ by Marizanne Kapp for a second-ball ‘duck’. *Heather Knight 10(12) was caught-and-bowled by Marizanne Kapp, low-down on follow-through *Grace Harris 1(1) was ‘run-out’(by Ryana Macdonald-Gay) ‘a needless ‘run-out,’ stranded arriving at the non-striker’s end, an “utter mix-up,” going for her second-run. Dani Gibson gained-a-life when Alice Capsey missed the stumps, for an otherwise certain ‘run out’ *After 25 balls ‘Power-play’ ‘Spirit’ were 31/3 *Amelia Kerr 9(8) was clean-bowled top-of-middle by Ryana Macdonald-Gay *Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 22(14), was caught-and-bowled by Sophia Smale – said to be a ‘big moment.’ *By mid-way, ’Spirit’ were 53/6, and it was ‘up to the bowlers, to step-up.’ *Richa Ghosh 2(10) was caught by Ryana Macdonald-Gay from Sophia Smale *Charlie Dean 13(11), chipped straight to ‘cover,’ caught by Suzie Bates from Mady Villiers *Sarah Glenn 17(16), was caught by Paige Scholfield’s dive from Ryana Macdonald-Gay*Upon review, with ‘hope rather than expectation,’ Alice Monaghan 0(2) went plumb ’leg before’ to Mady Villiers for a second-ball ‘duck’. *New 10th wicket partnership (31 runs from 22 balls) was set by Tara Norris [11*not out(13)] & *Lauren Filer [21*not out 13.] *Best ’Spirit’ batter was Dani Gibson 22(14); *Best ‘Invincibles’ bowler was Sophia Smale 2/15.

OI-W *Skipper Suzie Bates *[Spirit keeper Richa Ghosh] *International players Marizanne Kapp (Rep. South Africa) Suzie Bates ex-skipper NZ with Alice Capsey (England); Paige Scholfield, Mady Villiers & Ryana Macdonald-Gay (England ‘A’) Lauren Winfield-Hill (ex England keeper); Also Cordelia Griffith (England u-19’s) & Kira Chathli. Without Dane vanNiekerk & Katie George. *Lauren Winfield-Hill 3(9) was caught by Amelia Kerr from Tara Norris. *Alice Capsey 11(6), was caught by Grace Harris from  Amelia Kerr. *Suzie Bates 24(35), was caught by Lauren Filer from Charlie Dean. *At mid-way, ‘Invincibles’ were 43/2 (vs 53/6) needing 76 runs from 50 balls remaining. *’Strategic-time-out’ was called on 61/2 after 65 balls, with ‘Invincibles’ needing 58 from 35 balls remaining. *Paige Scholfield 2(3), was caught ‘nonchalantly’ by Grace Harris from Tara Norris (2/19) *Marizanne Kapp 30(24), steepled a vertical catch, caught by keeper Richa Ghosh from Sarah Glenn (1/20) *Cordelia Griffith 7(4) was ‘run-out’ by Niamh Holland. *Kira Chathli 1(3) was caught by Richa Ghosh from Charlie Dean (2/20) from a slower ‘loopy’ delivery *Mady Villiers 11(10) was ‘run-out’ by Dani Gibson. *Eva Gray 0(1) was bowled by Amelia Kerr. *Ryana Macdonald-Gay  2(3) was caught-and-bowled by Amelia Kerr (3/16.) *Sophia Smale was 5*not out (2.)  *Best ‘Invincibles’ batter was Marizanne Kapp 30(24); *Best ’Spirit’ bowler was Amelia Kerr 3/16.

Match summary Mid-way through the match, commentator Mike Atherton urged ‘Invincibles’ to ‘get a move on,’ with 4 wickets advantage; but falling behind with the required-run-rate. Summing-up, Commentators added that it was the second time that ‘Invincibles’ had been bowled-out for less than 100 runs. By comparison, both teams made an equally cautious start and lost wickets during the latter stage of their innings. Where Spirit’s’ last-wicket partnership added what-turned-out-to-be 21 winning runs (scored between bowlers-turned-batters Tara Norris and Lauren Filer); ‘Invincibles’ lost 3 wickets from Amelia Kerr’s (3/16) last set-of-five, by which time the match had become a lost-cause. Both teams were said to have an ‘uphill battle’ to stay in the tournament beyond the group stage.’ ‘Invincibles’ 5 points (2 wins); ‘Spirit’ 4 points (1 win) with a game-in-hand (at the time of writing.)

Match result: London Spirit Women: 118/9 beat Oval Invincibles by 97/10 by 21 runs

*Spirit’s batting: 118/9 (from 100 balls @1.2 runs-per-ball); Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 22(14), Lauren Filer 21*not out (13), Sarah Glenn 17(16), Charlie Dean 13(11), Tara Norris 11(13), Heather Knight 10(12); *Invincibles’ bowling: Sophia Smale 2/15, Marizanne Kapp 2/13, Mady Villiers 2/20, Ryana Macdonald-Gay 2/25; *Fow 1-0, 2-15, 3-16, 4-31, 5-52, 6-53, 7-84, 8-84, 9-87.

‘Basement battle,’ with both teams aspiring to make progress beyond the group stage. Before the match, skipper Heather Knight looked forward to ‘Spirit’s first win, had learned from previous ‘dismal’ collapse, adding that it was lovely to come to a ‘good ground.’ As the match progressed, ‘Spirit’s’ batters made double-figures that ‘put runs on the board.’ As predicted, much (was said by commentators to be) ‘riding’ on ‘Rockets’ skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt’s ‘shoulders.’ Partnered by Jo Gardner, the pair hit 3 ‘sixes’ and 1 ‘four’ setting a record 23 runs scored from five balls. During a remarkable turn-around of events, Nat Sciver-Brunt hit two straight ’sixes,’ the second hit from a ’no ball’ to take ‘Rockets’ safely over-the-line. Receiving her POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal, Nat Sciver-Brunt (pictured) 81*not out (from 41 balls) played a ‘show-stopping’ skipper’s innings and was pleased to get ‘Rockets’ first win ‘under her belt.’ Introduced by Mel Jones (former player for Australia Women,) Nasser Hussain, Eoin Morgan & Mike Atherton (former England players); with guest commentator Stuart Broad – (Ashes series.) Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather at Cardiff was overcast, with ‘rain in the air.’

LS-W Skipper Heather Knight.*[Lizelle Lee keeping wicket for ‘Rockets’] *Four internationals: Richa Ghosh (India), Grace Harris (Australia WBBL), Amelia Kerr (NZ); plus Tara Norris (US.) *England’s Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson; England ‘A’ Lauren Filer and U19’s Grace Scrivens & Sophie Munro.*When changing to spin, Grace Harris 10(7) was caught ‘really well’ by Fran Wilson at ‘backward-point,’ from Kirstie Gordon *’Not quite getting to the-pitch-of-the-ball.’ *Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 36(27), was caught at ‘point’ by Alana King from Kirstie Gordon – an ‘important’ wicket. *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ Spirit were 25/2. *Commentator’s curse struck when Heather Knight 11(14) who ‘knew how to play spin,’ was caught short of ‘square’ by Jo Gardner from Alana King. *By mid-way, ‘Spirit’ were 63/2. *Richa Ghosh 20(18) snicked to fellow keeper Lizelle Lee who ‘did well’ to hold on to the catch, from Bryony Smith (1/19.) *Best ‘Spirit’ batter was Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 36(27.) *Sophie Munro was 5*not out (5) *Best ‘Rockets’ bowler was Kirstie Gordon (2/19) whose figures were dented by bowling during the Power-play, as well as bowling the final 5 balls.

TR-W *Skipper Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt [Richa Ghosh keeping wicket for ‘Spirit’] *Three Internationals: Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Alana King (Australia) & Lizelle Lee (ex Republic South Africa) with Natalie Sciver-Brunt (England); Bryony Smith & Kirstie Gordon (England ‘A’) & Katherine Sciver-Brunt & Fran Wilson (ex England) *With Alexa Stonehouse (England u-19’s.) *During the ‘Power-play’ Lizelle Lee 4(5) top-edged a short ball ‘steepled’ to mid-wicket, caught by Grace Harris from Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson (1/25.) *Bryony Smith went ‘leg-before’ to Charlie Dean. *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ the match was adjourned for a brief shower of rain. *Resuming in ‘much improved conditions’ on 25/2, Harmanpreet Kaur 3(4) went ‘leg-before’ to Sarah Glenn – a ‘huge’ wicket. *By mid-way, ‘Rockets’ were 53/3 (vs 63/2) needing 75 to win. *Fran Wilson and Naomi Dattani departed five balls apart, triggering concern for ‘another batting collapse.’ *Fran Wilson 10(14) was bowled by Lauren Filer’s full-length ‘Yorker’ (1/21.) *Next over, Naomi Dattani lost her off-stump to Sarah Glenn (2/19.) *With 20 balls remaining, skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt partnered by Jo Gardner hit 3 ‘sixes’ and 1 ‘four’ setting a record 23 runs from five balls. *Next over, top-scorer Nat Sciver-Brunt 81*not out (41) hit another two straight ’sixes,’ the second ‘six’ scored from a ’no ball’ to seal ‘Rockets” first win.*’Spirit’s’ best bowler was  Sarah Glenn 2/19.

Match summary  Commentators said there were two ways of playing the pitch. Either by ‘scrambling’ runs from ‘big shots’ (that were often well-fielded) that was ‘not going anywhere.’ Alternatively ’smart batting,’ to play off-spinners ‘with-the-spin,’ batting to ‘target the short-boundary.’ Commentators concluded that ‘spin’ was a ‘massive threat’ and (from what they’d seen) more needed to be done to play spin bowling effectively. Although scores were neck-and-neck for most of the match, SKY Sports ‘match predictor’ forecast Spirit to win until ‘Rockets’ made a surprise come-back. With 20 balls remaining (as mentioned above), skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt partnered by Jo Gardner hit 3 ‘sixes’ and 1 ‘four’ setting a record 23 runs from five balls. Next over, Nat Sciver-Brunt hit two straight ’sixes,’ the second struck from a ’no-ball,’ to win the match. Receiving her POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal, Nat Sciver-Brunt 81*not out (41) was pleased to get ‘Rockets’ first win ‘under her belt.’ ‘Rockets’ (3 points) advanced to 5th-place with 4 rounds played-to-date. 7th-placed ‘Spirit’ (2 points) yet to chalk-up their first win.

Match result: Trent Rockets Women 127/5 (target 125) beat London Spirit Women: 124/4 by 5 wickets with 13 balls remaining

*Spirit’s batting: 124/5: (from 100 balls @1.2 runs-per-ball); Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 36(27), Amelia Kerr 36*not out (30), Richa Ghosh 20(18), Heather Knight 11(14), Grace Harris 10(7); *Rockets’ bowling: Kirstie Gordon 2/19, Alana King 1/18, Bryony Smith 1/19; Fow 1-27, 2-52, 3-67, 4-100.

*Rockets’ batting: 127/5 (from 86/100 balls @1.4 runs-per-ball); Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt 81*not out (41) Joanne ‘Jo’ Gardner 17(11) Fran Wilson 10*not out(14); *Spirit’s bowling: Sarah Glenn 2/19, Charlie Dean 1/11, Lauren Filer 1/21, Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 1/25; Fow 1-4, 2-23, 3-29, 4-80, 5-82.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000732

*Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/12938584/the-womens-hundred-nat-sciver-brunt-fires-trent-rockets-to-victory-with-81-off-41-balls-against-london-spirit

‘Match abandoned without a ball bowled’ courtesy of BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000719

Before the match, Sky Sports interviewed Lauren Winfield-Hill (pictured), keeping wicket for Oval Invincibles (defending champions.)

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket/competitions/the-hundred/12931683/lauren-winfield-hill-its-a-really-exciting-time-for-english-cricket