Skipper Beth Mooney produced a classy 70 as Manchester Originals opened their account in The Hundred 2025 with a thrilling 2-run win against the Oval Invincibles. Ellyse Perry’s Birmingham Phoenix also secured their first points by overcoming Trent Rockets in another tight contest earlier in the day.
The Manchester Originals, led by skipper Beth Mooney, faced Lauren Winfield-Hill’s Oval Invincibles at the Kennington Oval, London, in the 5th game of the season. Both sides had suffered convincing defeats in their opening matches and came into this clash eager to correct earlier mistakes and get on the board in the 5th edition of the tournament.
Beth Mooney’s Half-Century Sets the Platform
The Originals openers Kathryn Bryce and Beth Mooney began cautiously, adding 28 for the first wicket before Marizanne Kapp struck in the powerplay to dismiss Bryce (24 off 18 balls). Amelia Kerr joined Mooney and the pair added another vital 43 runs for the second wicket before Phoebe Franklin removed Kerr (15 off 15 balls).
Mooney anchored the innings brilliantly, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the scoreboard ticking. She brought up her fourth half-century in the tournament, finishing with 70 off 45 balls. Alice Monaghan (10* off 8 balls) provided late support as Manchester posted 139/6 in their 100 deliveries.
For the Invincibles, Marizanne Kapp (20-10-22-2), Ryana MacDonald-Gay (20-7-27-1), and Tash Farrant (20-4-27-1) impressed with the ball.
Manchester Originals Bowlers Hold Nerve in the Chase
Chasing 140, the Invincibles’ openers Lauren Winfield-Hill and Meg Lanning got off to a flying start, adding 42 runs in the powerplay and 52 for the opening wicket. Amelia Kerr made the breakthrough by dismissing Winfield-Hill (33 off 25 balls).
Alice Capsey joined Lanning, and the pair added 35 runs for the second wicket before Sophie Ecclestone removed Capsey (17 off 14 balls). A late push from Lanning and Kapp kept the home side in the contest, with 22 needed from the final 10 balls.
The crucial moment came when Lanning (56 off 42 balls) fell, leaving Kapp (19* off 15 balls) and Paige Scholfield (9* off 4 balls) short of the target. The Invincibles ended on 137/3, falling just 2 runs shy. Caribbean star Deandra Dottin held her nerve in the final set to seal the win for the Originals.
For Manchester Originals, Sophie Ecclestone (20-9-18-1), Amelia Kerr (20-6-22-1), and Kathryn Bryce (20-9-26-1) took a wicket each and bowled with control. Beth Mooney’s match-winning 70 earned her the Player of the Match award, setting the tone for the team’s first victory of the season.
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