In a thrilling display of dominance, Oval Invincibles emerged victorious with a stunning seven-wicket win over Manchester Originals in the Women’s Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford. The unbeaten 67-run stand between Paige Scholfield and Marizanne Kapp added fireworks to the run chase after the hosts posted a respectable 125 for 4. Scholfield’s magnificent 48 from 27 balls, complemented by Chamari Athapaththu’s solid 33 from 36 balls, set the stage for an incredible victory.
The Invincibles showcased their prowess in the field, taking sharp catches and executing strategic bowling plans. Australian leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington stood out with figures of 2 for 22, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Both teams entered the match seeking redemption from previous losses. The Originals suffered a defeat against Northern Superchargers, while Invincibles settled for a draw against London Spirit, marking a rare winless streak. The result of Tuesday’s match catapulted the Oval outfit to second place on the points table, instilling a renewed sense of confidence in the squad.
The Originals started strong, with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney displaying an aggressive batting performance. However, their momentum faltered as Mooney fell victim to a brilliant catch by Seren Smale off Ryana MacDonald-Gay. The competition’s second-highest runscorer, Wolvaardt, soon followed suit with another spectacular catch taken by MacDonald-Gay.
As the Originals struggled to find boundaries, skipper Sophie Ecclestone injected a burst of energy into the innings with a quickfire 26 from 15 balls. Despite her efforts, the team’s total seemed inadequate against the formidable Invincibles.
Chasing the target with determination, Sri Lanka star Athapaththu and captain Lauren Winfield-Hill laid a solid foundation with a 48-run partnership for the first wicket. However, the Originals fought back as Alice Monaghan dismissed Winfield-Hill and Alice Capsey in quick succession. When Athapaththu was trapped lbw by Kathryn Bryce, the Invincibles faced a moment of uncertainty at 60 for 3.
Nevertheless, Scholfield and Kapp’s remarkable partnership steered the team towards victory, showcasing their resilience and skill. The thrilling match culminated in a well-deserved win for the Oval Invincibles, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Women’s Hundred tournament.
