Spirit crush Phoenix with record-breaking win, Originals edge Superchargers in thriller

London Spirit recorded the biggest victory margin in the history of The Hundred women’s competition after thrashing Birmingham Phoenix by 88 runs at Edgbaston, Sport360NG reports.

Kira Chathli led the way with a blistering 69 from 35 balls, striking 13 boundaries, while Grace Harris added quickfire impetus with 34 off just 15 deliveries as Spirit piled up 164-6 from their 100 balls.

Despite early losses, Georgia Redmayne and Cordelia Griffith falling cheaply, Spirit regained control through a 47-run stand between Chathli and Harris. Emily Arlott was the pick of the Phoenix bowlers, claiming 3-25, but the hosts were left with a daunting target.

Phoenix’s reply never got going. Emma Lamb (23) was the only batter to reach double figures as wickets tumbled regularly. Georgia Voll was removed in the opening stages and six batters departed for single-digit scores. Megan Schutt and Hannah Baker then fell in consecutive deliveries, leaving Phoenix nine down for 76, with debutant Phoebe Brett unable to bat due to a thumb injury.

The emphatic result lifts Spirit, the defending champions, to the top of the table on net run-rate ahead of Southern Brave, while Phoenix stay seventh with just one win from five outings.

Originals deny Superchargers top spot at Old Trafford

Elsewhere, Manchester Originals held their nerve to seal a five-run victory over Northern Superchargers in a tense clash at Old Trafford.

Deandra Dottin was the star for the hosts, blasting an unbeaten 51 from 26 balls to lift Originals to 117-5 after they had stumbled to 58-4. Kate Cross also played a key role, dismissing both Superchargers openers cheaply after the visitors had opted to bowl.

Chasing 118, Superchargers appeared in control as Phoebe Litchfield (31) and Alice Davidson-Richards added 64 for the second wicket. But when Amelia Kerr removed Litchfield, the innings unravelled. Four wickets fell for just 17 runs, leaving the chase finely balanced.

Needing 14 from the final 10 deliveries, Originals struck at crucial moments, Ecclestone had Bess Heath caught brilliantly by Dottin, while Lauren Filer bowled Cross to all but end the contest.

The win moves Originals up to fourth with three victories in five matches, while Superchargers slip to third after missing the chance to go top.