Captain Harry Bosch lit up Headingley with a blistering 27-ball 56 as Northern Superchargers defeated defending champions Oval Invincibles by 16 runs in Leeds on Saturday.
In a clash stacked with England internationals, Bosch and his side took on Gus Atkinson, Sam and Tom Curran, and Will Jacks, posting a commanding 198-4 – the second-highest total of this season’s Hundred. Contributions from Zak Crawley (49 off 25), David Miller (37 off 16), and Dawid Malan (34 off 31) ensured the scoreboard kept racing.
Despite a late assault by Donovan Ferreira (41 off 15), the Invincibles were restricted to 182-7, slipping to just their second defeat of the campaign. Both teams are now locked at the top of the table on 20 points.
The boys played beautifully on a good pitch. To get nearly 200 was perfect. We assess conditions quickly, and we’re happy with the momentum we take into the next game.
London Spirit keep playoff hopes alive
At Lord’s, London Spirit crushed Southern Brave by 47 runs to stay in contention. Kane Williamson smashed his maiden Hundred fifty (53 off 28), while Jamie Smith (44 off 18) and David Warner (25 off 20) added firepower to Spirit’s 186-4. In reply, Brave faltered to 139 all out despite Jofra Archer removing Williamson. Archer was taken apart, conceding 42 runs from his 20 balls. Spirit and Brave can still qualify if they win their final group matches – but only if Trent Rockets stumble against Welsh Fire in Cardiff.
Southern Brave Women book their final berth
In the women’s competition, Southern Brave continued their stunning form, beating London Spirit by eight wickets at Lord’s to storm into the final with their seventh straight victory. After restricting Spirit to 125/8 – thanks to Mady Villiers (3-38) and sharp fielding that produced two run-outs – Brave chased with ease. Laura Wolvaardt struck an unbeaten 56 off 40, supported by Maia Bouchier (43 off 34), in a 95-run stand.
Cordelia Griffith (44 off 34) and Charli Knott (36 off 26) had given Spirit hope, but a collapse of five wickets for 22 runs sealed their fate. Brave, who finally lifted the title in 2023 after losing the first two finals, now return to the showpiece in dominant fashion.
“We did well to restrict them. On a good wicket, we wanted to get ahead early. I enjoyed batting with Bouch, rotating well and finding boundaries,” said Wolvaardt, named Player of the Match.
Superchargers women knock out Invincibles
At Headingley, Northern Superchargers women ended Oval Invincibles’ campaign with a seven-wicket win. Alice Davidson-Richards, left out of England’s World Cup squad, shone with a fluent 50 off 32 balls to chase down 126 with five balls to spare. Kate Cross (2-16) starred with the ball and took a sharp catch, ensuring Invincibles could manage only 125/6.
With the victory, Superchargers climbed to 20 points and remain well-placed for the top three. Invincibles, champions in 2021 and 2022, were eliminated after suffering their fifth loss in seven matches.
This is a wonderful group that wraps themselves around you. You just turn up the next day and play again. Really happy with the win.
Sunday showdown awaits
Sunday brings another blockbuster four-match day. Welsh Fire face Trent Rockets in Cardiff in a clash that could decide the men’s playoff race, while Manchester Originals host Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford in both men’s and women’s fixtures.
