Dean Secures Player of the Match with Thrifty Bowling and Double Catch

LONDON: An effective bowling display by Eva Gray and Charlie Dean, complemented by Kira Chathli’s rapid half-century, propelled London Spirit to a decisive victory over Oval Invincibles in the 29th match of The Hundred women’s tournament held at The Oval on Monday.

Spirit’s captain, Dean, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved beneficial as her team’s bowling unit limited their city rivals, the Invincibles, to a modest 108/8 in their 100-ball innings.

Dean and Gray spearheaded Spirit’s bowling attack in the London derby, each claiming two wickets for a mere 12 runs from their respective 20 deliveries.

For her economical bowling figures and two catches, skipper Dean was named Player of the Match.

Support came from Charli Knott, Sarah Glenn, and Issy Wong, who each contributed with a single wicket.

Marizanne Kapp, the South African veteran, was the top scorer for the Invincibles with 32 runs from 25 balls, including four boundaries. Other notable contributions came from top-order batters Paige Scholfield (22), Meg Lanning (19), and Alice Capsey (11), while the remaining players failed to reach double digits.

In pursuit of a modest 109-run target, the Spirit reached the required score comfortably, losing just two wickets and with 38 balls remaining.

Opening batter Chathli led the charge, remaining the top scorer with a swift 53 off 29 deliveries, featuring seven fours and two sixes.

She also shared a crucial 106-run opening partnership with Georgia Redmayne, who contributed 42 runs from 30 balls, including seven boundaries.

For the Invincibles, Phoebe Franklin was the only wicket-taker, claiming two wickets for 10 runs in seven deliveries.

This eight-wicket triumph elevated London Spirit to third place in The Hundred women’s competition standings, with 20 points after eight matches. Oval Invincibles remain in sixth place with eight points from the same number of games.