London Spirit, led by new skipper Charlie Dean, faced Welsh Fire, captained by the experienced Tammy Beaumont, in the 6th match of the tournament.
The defending champions, London Spirit, opened their title defence with a 17-run win over Oval Invincibles. Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up, Welsh Fire, were coming off their heaviest defeat in tournament history — a 47-run loss against Northern Superchargers.
Charli Knott Anchors the Spirit’s Innings
London Spirit openers Georgia Redmayne and Kira Chathli got their side off to a positive start with a 34-run stand after Dean won the toss and opted to bat on a tricky Sophia Gardens pitch.
Freya Davies struck first, removing Chathli (19 off 14) during the powerplay. The visitors then suffered a collapse, losing three wickets for just one run to slip to 35/4.
Charli Knott joined Grace Harris to steady the innings, adding 37 runs for the 5th wicket to push the score past 50 and provide breathing space. Hayley Matthews broke the partnership, dismissing Harris, but Knott continued to fight, top-scoring with 47 off 33 balls to take Spirit beyond 120 before they were bowled out for 124 in the final over.
Sarah Glenn chipped in with a valuable 14 off 11 late in the innings. For Welsh Fire, Freya Davies (3/16) and Katie Levick (3/26) were the pick of the bowlers, while Hayley Matthews impressed with a miserly 2/15 from 20 balls.
London Spirit Bowlers Script Dramatic Defence
Chasing 125, Welsh Fire started strongly. Sophia Dunkley and Matthews added 37 for the first wicket, followed by a 36-run stand between Dunkley and Beaumont, and a 28-run partnership between Dunkley (36 off 29) and Jess Jonassen (29 off 24).
At 101/2, the chase seemed in control. With just 24 needed from 19 balls, the Fire looked set for victory. But Dean’s tactical masterstroke — handing the ball to Grace Harris for the final set — turned the match on its head.
Harris removed two batters and conceded just 4 runs, sealing a 2-run win for the Spirit in a nail-biting finish.
Bowling Figures – London Spirit
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Issy Wong – 20 balls, 1/19
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Sarah Glenn – 20 balls, 0/19
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Charli Knott – 10 balls, 1/16
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Grace Harris – 5 balls, 1/4
Player of the Match – Charli Knott
Knott was named Player of the Match for her exceptional all-round display:
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Bat: 47 off 33 balls under immense pressure.
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Ball: 1/16 from 10 balls.
Her contributions ensured London Spirit’s second consecutive victory, giving their title defence the perfect start.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.