Defending champions London Spirit Women showcased their grit and composure as they secured a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Manchester Originals Women in Match 9 of The Hundred 2025.
Put in to bat first, Manchester Originals posted 122/6 from their 100 balls, a total that, while not massive, was built on a few key partnerships. Skipper Beth Mooney led from the front with a brisk 26 off 20 deliveries, combining with Seren Smale for a 35-run opening stand. Smale, however, struggled to find fluency and managed just 5 runs before falling.
The innings gained momentum when the experienced Deandra Dottin stepped up with a well-constructed 36 off 30 balls. Dottin stitched together a crucial 31-run stand with Fi Morris, who chipped in with a lively 20 off 15 balls to keep the scoreboard ticking. Towards the end, Alice Monaghan added an unbeaten 18, ensuring the Originals crossed the 120 mark.
London Spirit’s bowling unit maintained discipline throughout, with Charlie Dean emerging as the standout, returning impressive figures of 2/18. Tara Norris (1/10), Charli Knott (1/13), and Sarah Glenn (1/18) also chipped in, keeping the batters under pressure.
In reply, London Spirit’s chase was steady but far from straightforward. Kira Chathli and Georgia Redmayne provided a solid platform with a 27-run opening stand. Chathli looked composed and timed the ball sweetly in her knock of 34 off 30, while Redmayne contributed 11 off 12. The turning point came when Grace Harris entered the crease.
The Australian powerhouse played a match-winning knock, smashing an unbeaten 50* off just 32 deliveries, peppered with powerful strokes and clever placement. While wickets fell regularly at the other end, including a middle order that added only single-digit scores, Harris held her nerve.
In the tense final moments, with the equation narrowing, Sarah Glenn played a valuable cameo, 10* off 4 balls, guiding her side to 124/7 in just 98 balls, sealing victory with two balls to spare.
Manchester’s bowling attack fought hard, led by Amelia Kerr (2/17) and Kathryn Bryce (2/26), with Danielle Gregory also striking with 1/4, but it wasn’t enough to deny the defending champions another win.
This result keeps London Spirit’s campaign unbeaten and on track as they continue their quest for back-to-back titles, while Manchester Originals will rue missed chances and a total that may have been just 10-15 runs short.
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