The Manchester Super Giants made an emphatic start to their 2026 The Hundred campaign on Thursday, cruising to a seven-wicket victory over the London Spirit at Lord’s. The win was primarily driven by a disciplined bowling effort, spearheaded by Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who claimed impressive figures of 4-17. Sophie Ecclestone provided excellent support, conceding only seven runs across her 20 balls while taking one wicket.
Sent in to bat on a slow surface, the London Spirit struggled to gain momentum. Although Grace Harris struck a boundary off the very first ball from Grace Ballinger, her innings was short-lived. The Super Giants maintained consistent pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals. The Spirit were quickly reduced to 28 for 5 following the departures of Marizanne Kapp and Deandra Dottin. A brief recovery attempt by Nadine de Klerk and Charlie Dean ended at 68 when the pair was separated by a run out. Ultimately, the London Spirit were bundled out for 80 with nine balls remaining in their innings.
In the chase, the Manchester Super Giants experienced little difficulty. Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning built a steady 33-run partnership before Lanning was dismissed leg-before-wicket by Marizanne Kapp. Despite the Spirit striking twice in quick succession, the arrival of Richa Ghosh accelerated the chase. Ghosh smashed two sixes in four balls, and Paige Scholfield eventually hit the winning six to secure the victory. The Super Giants reached their target of 86 runs in just 59 balls. Marizanne Kapp was the pick of the bowlers for the Spirit, finishing with 2-18.
The victory was set up courtesy a fine bowling display, led by Ryana MacDonald-Gay’s 4-17 and backed up by Sophie Ecclestone’s return of 1-7 from 20 balls.
Brief Scores: London Spirit 80 in 91 balls (Marizanne Kapp 17 [12]; Ryana MacDonald-Gay 4-17, Sophie Ecclestone 1-7) lost to Manchester Super Giants 86/3 in 59 balls (Paige Scholfield 22* [15], Richa Ghosh 15* [5]; Marizanne Kapp 2-18) by 7 wickets
