MI London finally broke their winless streak in The Hundred 2026 on Thursday, securing a narrow 3-run victory over London Spirit at Lord’s. The match was a tale of two recoveries, with MI London overcoming a disastrous start to set a competitive target that their bowlers successfully defended.
The innings began in harrowing fashion for MI London, who were reduced to 23 for 5 after Charlie Dean claimed three wickets in a single set. Marizanne Kapp had earlier dismissed Hayley Matthews, and the team struggled to find any momentum, posting only 22 runs in the first 30 balls. While Chenille Henry provided a brief spark with a few boundaries, another collapse left the side in trouble at 64 for 8. Amelia Kerr then took charge, crafting a brilliant unbeaten 69 off 41 balls, including four sixes, to guide her team to a total of 122/9.
In response, London Spirit struggled early as they lost Grace Harris and Marie Kelly cheaply. Despite the pressure, Marizanne Kapp stabilized the innings with a 28-ball 34, and along with Nadine de Klerk, who contributed 35, she pushed the score to 93 for 4. Kerr proved vital again by dismissing Kapp in the 76th ball of the innings. Although London Spirit appeared well-positioned, requiring 30 runs from the final 24 balls, Hayley Matthews tightened the screws by removing both Charis Pavley and Nadine de Klerk in quick succession.
The game went down to the wire as Deandra Dottin attempted to chase down the total with a flurry of boundaries. However, needing five runs off the final ball, Dottin was run out while attempting a second run, leaving London Spirit short at 119/8. For MI London, Matthews finished with 2-21, while Tara Norris claimed 1-18. Charlotte Dean was the standout for the Spirit with 3-26, supported by Hannah Rainey’s 2-12.
The South African cracked two boundaries and a six in her 28-ball 34.
Attempts to find any momentum were nipped in the bud as Charlie Dean struck thrice in one set to leave them reeling at 23 for 5.
