Oval Invincibles defeated Birmingham Phoenix by 20 runs in Eliminator to reach the final of The Hundred women’s competition against Southern Brave on Saturday.
Tash Farrant and Marizanne Kapp were the heroes for Invincibles for snatching the victory out of Phoenix’s jaws. Chasing a low total of 115, Phoenix were 58/2 with 57 runs required off 55. Farrant and Kapp snared seven wickets between them to defend the total thrillingly.
Birmingham Phoenix won the toss and chose to bowl first. Invincible lost their skipper Dane van Niekerk (2) and Georgia Adams (4) early in the innings and were reduced to 36/3 when Kirstie Gordon ended Fran Wilson’s cameo on 21.
Kapp (37) then joined hands with Alice Capsey (26) to put on a valuable 54-run stand for the fourth wicket. Soon, Invincibles lost both the batters in quick succession at the back end. Grace Gibbs’ cameo of 12 off 6 helped the team get to 114/7 in 100 balls.
Phoenix didn’t get off to a good start as they lost both the openers on duck. The captain Amy Jones took charge of the situation and scored at a terrific rate. Erin Burns gave her a good support with her 23 off 22. The duo put on a 52-run partnership and needed only 49 runs off 55 balls with eight wickets in hand. But things got interesting after that.
Erin Burns tried to clear the infield off Kapp, but Farrant took an absolute stunner at mid-off. The piece of brilliance in the field was enough to inspire Invincibles.
The very next ball, Farrant ended Phoenix’s biggest hope – Jones’ knock on 35 off 25. With two key wickets in two balls, Invincibles had clawed their way back in the game.
In no time, Invincibles had control over the match by picking regular wickets. Phoenix did not recover from the collapse as they lost eight wickets in just 28 runs and were bowled out for 94.
Farrant was named the ‘Player of the match’ for the spell of 4 for 10 in 19 balls and a spectacular catch that turned the game.
Oval Invincibles will take on the rampant Southern Brave side led by Anya Shrubsole in the women’s final on Saturday, August 21 at Lord’s.
Final Scores
Oval Invincibles – 114/7 in 100 balls (Marizanne Kapp 37, Alice Capsey 26; Kirstie Gordon 2/22, Emily Arlott 1/11)
Birmingham Phoenix – 94 in 94 balls (Amy Jones 35, Erin Burns 23; Tash Farrant 4/10, Marizanne Kapp 3/21)
Oval Invincibles won by 20 runs.
