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Grace Harris Outshines Meg Lanning as London Spirit Defeat Oval Invincibles in Women’s Hundred London Derby Opener
A Thrilling Clash of Aussie Titans in the Capital
The Women’s Hundred 2025 kicked off with a blockbuster London derby as London Spirit got their title defense off to a winning start. In a battle of Australian brilliance, Grace Harris’s explosive 89 off just 45 balls* trumped a valiant 85 from Meg Lanning, as Spirit edged past Oval Invincibles by 17 runs in a high-scoring affair at Lord’s.
Harris and Griffith Fire Spirit to a Dominant Total
Early Jitters, Then Ruthless Batting Display
Put into bat under overcast skies, London Spirit had a shaky start as Georgia Redmayne fell for a six-ball duck, bowled by Marizanne Kapp. However, Cordelia Griffith, coming in at No. 3, wasted no time asserting herself, smashing a six and a four off Tash Farrant in her opening set.
After Kira Chathli joined the scoring spree briefly, it was all about the powerhouse duo of Griffith and Harris, who stitched together a crucial 100-run stand. Harris, known for her power-hitting prowess, took the lead, especially targeting Amanda-Jade Wellington, from whom she plundered 37 runs, including five boundaries and two massive sixes.
Though Spirit lost wickets in the middle – Griffith for 50 and Charli Knott for a brief cameo – Harris continued her relentless onslaught. She smashed five sixes in total, including three in her final nine deliveries, propelling Spirit to an imposing 176/5 in 100 balls, a total considered well above par in The Hundred format.
Invincibles’ Chase Led by Lanning Falters Despite Late Surge
Top Order Stumbles as Lanning Fights Alone
In response, the Oval Invincibles got off to a disastrous start, losing skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill on just the second ball to Tara Norris. Alice Capsey tried to revive the innings alongside Lanning, playing a brisk 13-ball 22, but was trapped LBW by Sarah Glenn, halting the momentum.
Meg Lanning, ever the composed tactician, anchored the innings beautifully and stitched a 77-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp to reignite hope. But with pressure mounting, Issy Wong made the breakthrough by bowling Kapp at the perfect moment.
Lanning began accelerating, launching a calculated attack on Spirit’s bowlers. She smashed seven boundaries and five sixes, raising hopes of an Invincibles steal. But on the 93rd delivery, Wong struck again, dismissing the Invincibles’ last hope and sealing the game for Spirit.
Standout Performances
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🏏 Grace Harris – 89* off 45 balls (Player of the Match)
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🏏 Cordelia Griffith – 50 off 30 balls
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🎯 Meg Lanning – 85 off 51 balls
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🎯 Marizanne Kapp – 2/23 & 33 with the bat
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🎯 Issy Wong – Match-turning double strike
Match Summary
London Spirit: 175/5 in 100 balls
(Grace Harris 89*, Cordelia Griffith 50; Marizanne Kapp 2/23, Tash Farrant 2/39)
Oval Invincibles: 159/4 in 100 balls
(Meg Lanning 85, Marizanne Kapp 33; Tara Norris 1/3, Sarah Glenn 1/23)
Result: London Spirit won by 17 runs.
🔗 Related Links
👉 Explore more Women’s Hundred 2025 match updates
👉 Official The Hundred website – Fixtures & Results
