The much-anticipated 5th edition of The Women’s Hundred 2025 burst into life with an exhilarating London Derby at the iconic Lord’s, where the London Spirit signaled their intent to defend the title they won in the previous season.
Leading the charge was the 31-year-old veteran all-rounder Grace Harris, whose swashbuckling unbeaten 89 from just 42 balls, studded with 7 boundaries and 6 sixes, powered the Spirit to a commanding total of 176/5. Her knock, delivered at a staggering strike rate of 211.9, not only secured her the Player of the Match award but also scripted the highest-ever partnership for London Spirit, an imposing 100-run stand alongside Cordelia Griffith.
Despite the absence of their regular skipper, Heather Knight, sidelined by injury, the Spirit showed no signs of faltering under new captain Charlie Dean. After being put into bat by Oval Invincibles captain Lauren Winfield-Hill, London began shakily but quickly found momentum as Griffith and Harris combined aggressively to accelerate the innings. Griffith’s well-crafted 50 off 29 balls set the stage for Harris’s explosive finish, which took London Spirit to their highest total in the competition yet.
In response, the Oval Invincibles battled valiantly, led by the composed 85 from Meg Lanning. Early breakthroughs by Tara Norris and timely wickets from Issy Wong kept the chase competitive, but the run rate proved too steep. The Invincibles managed a respectable 159/6 before falling short by 17 runs, handing London Spirit a memorable victory in the tournament opener.
Grace Harris’s knock was a masterclass in power hitting and adaptability. In her Women’s Hundred career, Harris has amassed 203 runs across 7 innings at an impressive strike rate of 172.03 and an average of 33.83, including two half-centuries. Her presence at the crease gives London Spirit the perfect balance between experience and aggression, a vital asset as they aim to retain their crown in this fiercely contested tournament.
Bowling was equally pivotal in the opener, with Marizanne Kapp and Tash Farrant producing disciplined spells for Oval Invincibles, claiming two wickets apiece. London Spirit’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Issy Wong and Tara Norris, maintained relentless pressure, wrapping up the innings despite Meg Lanning’s valiant resistance.
As the Women’s Hundred 2025 sets the stage for another thrilling summer of cricket, Grace Harris’s fearless display underlines her importance to the London Spirit’s title defence. Her blend of power, precision, and match-winning instinct makes her one of the tournament’s standout performers and a player to watch as the competition unfolds.
