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The Hundred Women 2023 saw a double header on Saturday, where Trent Rockets defeated London Spirit in the first game while Southern Brave got the better of Welsh Fire in the second fixture.
Bowling first, Trent Rockets put in a disciplined effort with the ball to restrict London Spirit to a total of 124/4 in their allotted 100 balls. Danielle Gibson‘s fluent 36 off 27 balls and a well-constructed 36 from Amelia Kerr were the standout performances in the London Spirit innings.
Kirstie Gordon and Alana King led the bowling charge for Trent Rockets, scalping crucial wickets and maintaining the pressure on the batting side.
Chasing 125 for victory, Trent Rockets faced some early setbacks with Lizelle Lee and Bryony Smith falling cheaply. However, a sensational innings by Natalie Sciver turned the tide in their favor. Sciver’s explosive knock of 81 off just 41 deliveries, including 9 fours and 4 sixes, proved to be the game-changer. Joanne Gardner‘s cameo towards the end provided the finishing touches as Trent Rockets achieved the target with 13 balls to spare.
In recognition of her outstanding all-round performance, Sciver was awarded the Player of the Match for her match-winning knock and her valuable contributions with the ball.
Southern Brave clinch a thrilling 2-wicket win over Welsh Fire
The second match of the day witnessed an exhilarating clash between Welsh Fire and Southern Brave at Sophia Gardens. The match unfolded with Southern Brave winning the toss and electing to bowl, hoping to capitalize on the conditions.
Welsh Fire took to the crease with determination, setting a target of 145 runs for the opposition. Sophia Dunkley was the standout performer, crafting a skillful half-century with 50 runs off 33 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. Sarah Bryce’s gritty 44 runs off 36 balls, combined with Laura Harris‘ explosive 19 off 8, powered the Fire’s innings. The bowlers of Southern Brave put up a commendable effort, with Georgia Adams leading the way, claiming 2 crucial wickets for 22 runs.
In reply, Southern Brave (had their work cut out for them. Smriti Mandhana‘s aggressive 41 off 30 balls and Maia Bouchier‘s swift 42 off 26 balls laid the foundation for the Brave’s chase. Adams showcased her prowess, contributing a crucial 40 off 24 balls.
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However, the Fire’s bowlers fought back, led by Shabnim Ismail and Freya Davies, who both claimed 2 wickets apiece, applying pressure on the Brave’s batting lineup. Eventually, it came down to the wire, with Southern Brave clinching victory by just 2 wickets in a thrilling contest. In recognition of her exceptional all-round performance, Adams was rightfully named the ‘Player of the Match.’
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
