Grace Harris Guides London Spirit to Thrilling Win Over Manchester Originals

Grace Harris Guides London Spirit to Thrilling Win Over Manchester Originals

Reigning champions London Spirit continued their perfect start to the Women’s Hundred 2025 season, clinching a dramatic three-wicket win over Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford, thanks to a composed and unbeaten 50 from Australian powerhouse Grace Harris.

Chasing 123 for victory, Harris held her nerve in a tense finish, reaching her half-century off 32 balls to steer Spirit home with just two deliveries to spare. Her knock, full of calculated aggression and cool-headed decision-making, earned her the Meerkat Match Hero award.

Spirit’s decision to bowl first paid early dividends. Georgia Redmayne pulled off a sharp catch down the leg side to dismiss Kathryn Bryce, before Melie Kerr was run out in chaotic fashion, chasing a second run from a free hit. Manchester Originals struggled at 46 for 4 after 39 balls but rebuilt through Deandra Dottin, who top-scored with a measured 36.

Dottin, supported by Fi Morris and Alice Monaghan, helped the Originals to a competitive 122 for 6. Spirit’s bowlers were impressively economical, with Charlie Dean (2 for 18) and Sarah Glenn keeping things tight in the middle overs.

In response, Originals' left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur bowled a testing new-ball spell, using swing to great effect and keeping the pressure on. Kerr also impressed with the ball, taking 2 for 17 and claiming two key catches, including that of opener Kira Chathli and Redmayne, as well as bowling Dani Gibson for a duck.

With wickets tumbling around her, Harris remained calm. A four off a no-ball followed by a six from the free hit shifted the momentum, reducing the target to 30 off 21. The equation came down to 16 needed from 10 when Harris lofted a six just beyond Monaghan’s fingertips at long-on.

There was late drama as Bryce struck twice in two balls, dismissing Issy Wong and Dean to swing the match back into balance. But Sarah Glenn edged her first ball for four and then sealed the victory with another boundary off the 98th delivery.

Speaking after the match, Harris reflected on her innings:

“I just thought it was a bit of a trickier wicket to start on, and then once you got in, you could try and cash in at the back end. I thought that’s what Deandra Dottin did really well in the first innings. When we got to about needing 26 runs, I thought we’re pretty good. We had wickets in hand and could take the game on.”

She also credited her side’s all-round performance:

“Credit to our bowlers. I think we're just really enjoying how we're playing at the moment. I’m delighted with how I’m going. A lot of the principles I’ve been working on are paying off.”

The win sees London Spirit remain unbeaten after three matches as they continue their title defence in dominant fashion.

Match Summary:

  • Manchester Originals: 122 for 6 (Dottin 36, Dean 2-18)

  • London Spirit: 124 for 7 (Harris 50*, Kerr 2-17)

  • Result: London Spirit won by 3 wickets

  • Meerkat Match Hero: Grace Harris (50* off 32 balls)

 

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