OLD TRAFFORD — Grace Harris once again proved her match-winning prowess as she guided London Spirit to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Manchester Originals in The Hundred, chasing down a modest target of 123 with just three balls to spare at Old Trafford.
The Australian all-rounder, who has been in scintillating form this season, played a composed innings of 38 not out off 28 deliveries to steer her side home in a tense finish. Her partnership with Heather Knight (26 off 22) proved crucial after Spirit had stumbled to 63-4 in the middle phase of their innings.
Harris, speaking after receiving her second Player of the Match award this season, said: "It was about staying calm under pressure. The pitch wasn't easy but we backed our game plan and executed when it mattered."
Spirit's Bowling Sets Up Victory
The foundation for Spirit's win was laid by their disciplined bowling attack, which restricted Originals to 122-7 from their 100 balls. Left-arm spinner Sophie Munro (2-18 from 20 balls) and seamer Grace Scrivens (2-22 from 20 balls) were particularly impressive, consistently hitting good lengths on a pitch offering some assistance.
Key moments in Originals' innings included:
- Emma Lamb's early dismissal for 9 (caught behind off Scrivens)
- A middle-order collapse of 3-15 in 18 balls
- Deandra Dottin's fighting 34 off 28 providing some late impetus
Nervy Chase Mastered by Harris
The chase began poorly for Spirit as openers Beth Mooney (12) and Grace Scrivens (8) fell inside the powerplay. When Sophie Luff and Amelia Kerr departed in quick succession, the game hung in balance at 63-4 after 58 balls.
Harris and Knight then combined for a match-turning 45-run stand in 32 deliveries. Knight's dismissal in the 85th ball brought some late drama, but Harris held her nerve, hitting two crucial boundaries in the final set of five to seal victory.
Spirit captain Heather Knight praised her team's composure: "These are the wins that build character. Grace was brilliant but it was a proper team effort - the bowlers set it up and everyone contributed at key moments."
Tournament Implications
This victory consolidates London Spirit's position at the top of the Women's Hundred table with three wins from four matches. For Manchester Originals, it's their second consecutive defeat leaving them mid-table with work to do in the second half of the group stage.
The match also highlighted:
- Harris's growing reputation as one of the best finishers in women's cricket
- Spirit's improved bowling depth compared to previous seasons
- Originals' continuing struggles to post competitive totals without their star player Sophie Ecclestone
Looking Ahead
With the competition heating up, Spirit will aim to maintain their momentum when they face Birmingham Phoenix next week. For Originals, coach Paul Shaw acknowledged improvements needed: "We're 20 runs short with the bat and didn't quite nail our plans at the death. Small margins in these tight games, but we'll learn and come back stronger."
As The Hundred reaches its midway point, Harris's latest match-winning contribution has further enhanced her reputation as one of the tournament's standout performers, while Spirit emerge as genuine title contenders with their balanced squad and growing confidence in close finishes.