Cricket: Superchargers Spoil Invincibles’ Hundred Dream

Oval Invincibles 125-6 (100 balls): Winfield-Hill 37 (30); Cross 2-16

Northern Superchargers 127-3 (95 balls): Davidson-Richards 50 (32)

Superchargers won by seven wickets

Northern Superchargers ended Oval Invincibles’ hopes in this year’s Hundred women’s competition and consolidated their own strong position with a comfortable seven-wicket victory at Headingley.

The win takes Superchargers onto 20 points in second place, four behind unbeaten Southern Brave and four clear of Manchester Originals and London Spirit, who have played a game fewer.

Opener Alice-Davidson Richards capitalised on some loose bowling to strike 50 from 32 balls to break the back of the Superchargers’ chase of 126.

She fell with 42 runs needed and Australian Phoebe Litchfield, who sparkled again in making 29, followed three balls later, but Nicola Carey made an unbeaten 15-ball 25 and Superchargers won with five balls to spare.

Invincibles were hampered by bowler Tash Farrant injuring her back in the field and only being able to bowl five balls.

Alice Capsey also went off after a blow to her right hand while bowling but the England all-rounder was able to return to the attack.

Superchargers’ earlier made the ideal start when Grace Ballinger bowled Paige Scholfield with the first ball of the match.

Invincibles were 64-4 after 60 balls when Australian Meg Lanning, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, was pinned lbw and although captain Lauren Winfield-Hill, dropped down the order after a poor run as opener, hit 37 from 30, their 125-6 felt below par.

Seamer Kate Cross, 24 hours after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, took a solid 2-16.

Superchargers play Manchester Originals in their final match on Tuesday, live on the BBC.

They will be guaranteed a place in the eliminator at worst with victory but could progress regardless given their strong net run-rate.

Invincibles are sixth and, with one game remaining, can no longer finish in the top three.

Bbc.com