Welsh Fire secured their highest-ever chase in the women’s Hundred, defeating London Spirit by six wickets at Lord’s. The victory handed London Spirit their first defeat of the competition. West Indies star Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 78 from 46 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, as Welsh Fire chased down Spirit’s 150 for 5 with five balls to spare.
Former Spirit bowler Freya Davies was crucial for Welsh Fire, taking 2 for 19, including key wickets of Meg Lanning and Heather Knight. London Spirit’s total rose thanks to strong late hitting from Danni Gibson and Deepti Sharma. Despite Welsh Fire losing captain Tammy Beaumont early, Matthews kept them in the game. She continued to find boundaries even after a drop at 36.
With 69 runs needed from 40 balls, Matthews anchored the chase, reaching her half-century in just 37 balls. She played a match-defining innings, hitting back-to-back boundaries off England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn and finishing the game with a decisive boundary. Jess Jonassen also contributed with a six before being dismissed.
London Spirit, who had been on a winning streak, showcased their batting strength, with Lanning scoring 31 and Gibson adding 41 from 25 balls. Sharma, in her first match since the Asia Cup, contributed an unbeaten 39. Despite their strong performance, Spirit fell short as Matthews led Welsh Fire to a memorable win.
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