Defending champions Oval Invincibles delivered a commanding performance at The Oval on Monday night, brushing aside London Spirit by six wickets to virtually secure their place in the men’s Hundred final.
The chase of 153 lasted just 78 balls as the Invincibles’ batting firepower proved unstoppable. Opener Will Jacks blazed 45 off 27 before Jordan Cox (47 off 27) and Sam Curran (27 off 13) kept the tempo high. Big-hitting Donovan Ferreira (24 off 9) then finished the job with two sixes and two fours.
It felt brilliant with the bat. The wicket only got better as the lights came on and Coxy made it easy for me. We’ve been looking for that top spot, we know how important it is to go straight to the final.
Bowlers Set Up Victory
Earlier, the Invincibles’ bowlers kept Spirit in check. Nathan Sowter (2-23) and Tom Curran (2-22) applied pressure, dismissing Kane Williamson (21) among others as Spirit managed only 152/7.
Jamie Overton (31 off 18), Ryan Higgins (28 off 15) and Jamie Smith (28) offered resistance, but Spirit’s total always looked under par.
With the win, the Invincibles moved four points clear at the top, and with a superior net run-rate, they are almost certain of a place in Sunday’s final as they bid for a third successive title.
Spirit Women Stay Alive with Emphatic Win
In the women’s contest, London Spirit kept their play-off hopes alive with a thumping eight-wicket victory over Oval Invincibles.
Chasing 109, Kira Chathli blasted 53 off 29 balls and shared a record 106-run opening stand with Georgia Redmayne (42 off 30). Spirit romped home with 38 balls to spare, boosting their run-rate and strengthening their qualification chances.
That was an impressive victory. We went out wanting to bounce back and to win by a margin like that. We’ve done everything to put ourselves in the best position to qualify, so it’s fingers crossed.
Invincibles Falter with the Bat
Put in to bat, the Invincibles Women stuttered to 108/8. Marizanne Kapp (32 off 25) was the only batter to break free, while skipper Meg Lanning (19 off 20) and Paige Scholfield (22 off 21) fell in the middle overs. Dean was outstanding with ball and in the field, claiming 2-12 from 20 balls and pulling off two brilliant catches.
Spirit’s response was emphatic, with Chathli in particular attacking her former side, bringing up her fifty with a towering straight six. Though both openers departed late, the job was already done.
What’s Next
The women’s qualification race goes down to the wire. Spirit must wait on the outcome of Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers at Headingley on Tuesday, which will decide the final play-off places.
