LONDON — Alice Capsey delivered a blistering 55 off 38 balls, while Tilly Corteen-Coleman claimed a stunning 4-13 as Oval Invincibles dominated London Spirit in a one-sided affair in The Hundred women's competition on Saturday. The Invincibles' emphatic victory was complemented by Southern Brave's win over Welsh Fire, leaving the Fire winless in the tournament.
Capsey's fireworks set the tone
Capsey, the 19-year-old England all-rounder, showcased her explosive batting prowess, smashing seven boundaries and two sixes in her 38-ball stay. Her innings laid the foundation for the Invincibles' imposing total of 154-5. "I just wanted to be positive from the start," Capsey said post-match. "The pitch was good, and I backed myself to take on the bowlers."
The Invincibles' innings was anchored by key contributions from:
- Marizanne Kapp (28 off 20)
- Lauren Winfield-Hill (23 off 18)
- Dane van Niekerk (21* off 12)
Corteen-Coleman's four-wicket haul seals the deal
The Spirit's chase never gained momentum, thanks to a sensational spell from 17-year-old left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman. She dismantled the middle order, dismissing Grace Harris (18), Sophie Munro (4), Richa Ghosh (0), and Tara Norris (1) in quick succession. "I just stuck to my strengths and trusted my variations," Corteen-Coleman said. "The pitch was turning, and the batters struggled to read me."
London Spirit collapsed to 96 all out in 87 balls, handing the Invincibles a commanding 58-run victory. Only Heather Knight (27) offered resistance, but the lack of partnerships proved costly.
Southern Brave continue winning momentum
In the day's other fixture, Southern Brave secured a comfortable 27-run win over Welsh Fire, who remain without a victory in the competition. Smriti Mandhana (70 off 42) and Danni Wyatt (45 off 30) powered the Brave to 165-5, their highest total of the season.
Welsh Fire's chase faltered early, with Lauren Filer (3-22) and Georgia Adams (2-18) striking regularly. Despite a fighting 41 from Hayley Matthews, the Fire were restricted to 138-8. "We're building nicely as a team," said Brave captain Anya Shrubsole. "The batting was clinical today."
Key takeaways from Saturday's action
- Alice Capsey's form: The young star continues to shine, proving her worth as a match-winner.
- Tilly Corteen-Coleman's emergence: The teenager's spell was a masterclass in spin bowling.
- Welsh Fire's struggles: Winless in three games, their campaign is already in jeopardy.
- Southern Brave's depth: Their batting firepower makes them strong contenders.
What's next in The Hundred?
The action continues on Sunday with Trent Rockets taking on Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers facing Birmingham Phoenix. Both matches promise high-octane cricket, with teams jostling for early supremacy.
As the tournament progresses, the Invincibles and Brave have stamped their authority, while Welsh Fire face an uphill battle to revive their campaign. With young talents like Capsey and Corteen-Coleman stepping up, The Hundred continues to deliver thrilling contests.
"It's great to see young players taking responsibility," said England coach Jon Lewis. "The Hundred is proving to be a fantastic platform for emerging talent."