Deepti Sharma's heroics seal victory for London Spirit

In a nail-biting conclusion, Spirit overcame Fire's challenge, claiming their maiden Women’s Hundred title

London Spirit clinched their maiden Women’s Hundred title in a thrilling final on Sunday, overcoming Welsh Fire by four wickets with just two balls to spare at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The match was highlighted by the calm and composed performances of Georgia Redmayne and Deepti Sharma, who guided Spirit to victory after Welsh Fire posted a modest 115, largely thanks to Jess Jonassen's 54.

In a game filled with tension and dramatic moments, London Spirit, led by Heather Knight, emerged as champions after a strong finish in the tournament. Having barely secured a spot in the playoffs by finishing third in the group stage, they went on to defeat the top two teams over the weekend to claim the title.

The final was a close affair, with Spirit’s chase looking shaky at times, particularly after South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail's exceptional performance. Ismail's pace and precision saw her claim 3 for 24, including the crucial wickets of Meg Lanning, Knight, and Danielle Gibson. Her bowling put London Spirit under pressure, leaving them needing 12 runs from 11 balls when Redmayne was dismissed after scoring a steady 34.

Redmayne’s innings was crucial, coming after her unbeaten 53 in the previous day's Eliminator against Oval Invincibles. Her calm approach set the foundation for Spirit's chase, even as wickets fell around her. After Redmayne’s departure, the tension escalated when Abigail Freeborn was run out following a few close calls. However, Charlie Dean, known for her composure under pressure, came to the crease and immediately contributed, allowing Deepti Sharma to take charge in the final moments.

Deepti, who had earlier taken 1 for 23 with the ball, was not at her fluent best with the bat, struggling to find timing initially. But with six runs needed from the final set of deliveries, Deepti delivered under pressure, smashing a six over wide long-on off Hayley Matthews to seal the win for Spirit. The shot, though not the most powerful, was perfectly placed, clearing the boundary and sparking celebrations as London Spirit secured their first Women’s Hundred title.

Welsh Fire, having been asked to bat first, struggled early on. They lost three wickets within the first 29 balls, with Sarah Glenn’s double strike causing significant damage. Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce were both dismissed cheaply, leaving Fire in a precarious position. Jonassen and Hayley Matthews attempted to rebuild with a 52-run partnership, but their progress was slow, particularly as Matthews found it difficult to time her shots.

Matthews eventually fell for 29, and it was Jonassen who provided the late impetus, striking four boundaries in quick succession. However, Fire's innings stalled in the final ten balls, managing only ten runs while losing four wickets, including two run-outs. Despite Jonassen's efforts, Fire's total of 115 proved insufficient.

Ismail's brilliant bowling briefly gave Fire hope, especially after she dismissed Gibson, who had struck five boundaries in her first six deliveries. But Deepti’s final flourish ensured that Spirit emerged victorious, leaving Welsh Fire to rue their missed opportunities and slow start in the final.

Brief score: London Spirit 118 for 6 (Redmayne 34, Ismail 3-24) defeated Welsh Fire 115 for 8 (Jonassen 54, Glenn 2-17, Gray 2-26) by four wickets.