LONDON — Grace Harris delivered a blistering unbeaten 89 from just 42 balls to power London Spirit to a commanding victory over Oval Invincibles in their opening match of The Hundred, defending their title in style at a packed Lord’s on Wednesday night.
The Australian all-rounder, known for her explosive batting, dismantled the Invincibles’ bowling attack with a display of clean hitting, including nine fours and five sixes. Her innings, the highest individual score in the women’s competition this season, ensured the Spirit chased down their target of 148 with 15 balls to spare.
Harris’ Heroics Steal the Show
From the moment she walked to the crease, Harris took control of the chase. With the Spirit at 45-2 after 35 balls, she combined with captain Heather Knight (31 off 24) in a match-winning 78-run partnership. Harris’ ability to find gaps and clear the ropes with ease left the Invincibles scrambling for answers. "I just backed my instincts," Harris said post-match. "The pitch was good, and I wanted to be aggressive from the start."
Her dominance was evident in the way she targeted key bowlers:
- Marizanne Kapp, one of the world’s best all-rounders, was smashed for 22 runs off just 10 balls.
- Sophie Ecclestone, England’s star spinner, conceded 28 runs from her 15 deliveries.
- Harris’ strike rate of 211.90 was the highest in the match by a significant margin.
Invincibles’ Innings: A Mixed Bag
Earlier, Oval Invincibles posted 147-6 from their 100 balls, thanks largely to a composed 47 from Suzie Bates and a late cameo from Alice Capsey (28 off 18). However, their total always looked slightly below par on a batting-friendly surface. The Spirit’s bowlers, led by Tara Norris (2-23) and Charlotte Dean (1-20), kept the scoring in check at crucial moments.
Capsey’s dismissal in the 85th ball, caught brilliantly by Grace Scrivens at deep mid-wicket, halted the Invincibles’ momentum. "We were 10-15 runs short," admitted Invincibles’ skipper Dane van Niekerk. "Grace played an unbelievable knock, and we just couldn’t contain her."
Key Moments
The match turned decisively in the 60th ball when Harris launched Ecclestone for back-to-back sixes, shifting the pressure entirely onto the Invincibles. Knight’s steady hand at the other end allowed Harris to play freely, and by the time the England captain fell, the required rate had dropped to a comfortable level.
Another pivotal moment came in the 75th ball when Harris survived a close LBW shout off Kapp. The umpire’s not-out decision stood after a brief review, much to the relief of the home crowd. From there, Harris accelerated further, sealing the win with a towering six over long-on.
What This Means for the Tournament
The Spirit’s emphatic win sends a strong message to their rivals. With Harris in this kind of form, they look well-equipped to defend their title. The Invincibles, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, particularly their bowling unit, which lacked penetration in the absence of an injured Shabnim Ismail.
Harris’ performance also reignites the debate about her limited opportunities with Australia. Despite her consistent performances in franchise cricket, she remains on the fringes of the national side. "She’s a match-winner, pure and simple," said Knight. "Any team would be lucky to have her."
The Hundred continues to deliver thrilling contests, and if this opener is anything to go by, fans are in for another spectacular season. The Spirit’s next fixture is against Birmingham Phoenix, while the Invincibles face a tough test against Southern Brave.
As for Harris, she’s already set her sights on more fireworks. "I’m just enjoying my cricket and trying to entertain the crowd," she said with a smile. "Hopefully, there’s more to come."