MI London secured their first victory of The Hundred 2026 on Thursday, edging past London Spirit by 3 runs in a tense encounter at Lord’s. The win was anchored by a spectacular individual performance from Amelia Kerr, who rescued her side after they had plummeted to 64 for 8. Kerr’s unbeaten 69, featuring four sixes off 41 balls, propelled MI London to a total of 122 for 9. Disciplined death bowling from Hayley Matthews and Nicola Carey subsequently stifled the Spirit chase, keeping them to 119 for 8.
The match began disastrously for MI London. Marizanne Kapp struck early to remove Hayley Matthews, and the team struggled to find any rhythm, managing only 22 runs in the first 30 balls. The situation worsened when Charlotte Dean claimed three wickets in a single set, leaving the side reeling at 23 for 5. While Chenille Henry provided a brief spark with 22 runs, her departure triggered another collapse. Kerr eventually took charge, attacking bowlers like Katie George, Nadine de Klerk, and Dean to ensure her team posted a defendable score.
London Spirit’s pursuit faced early setbacks as Grace Harris and Marie Kelly departed quickly. Despite the top-order struggle, Marizanne Kapp stabilized the innings with a 28-ball 34, including two boundaries and a six. She combined with Nadine de Klerk, who contributed 35, to reach 93 for 4 before Kerr dismissed the latter on the 76th ball. Although the Spirit required only 30 runs from the final 24 balls, the MI London bowlers tightened their grip.
Matthews proved pivotal in the final stages, dismissing Charis Pavley and de Klerk in rapid succession. Deandra Dottin attempted to steer the Spirit home with a few late boundaries, but the pressure proved too much. Needing five runs off the final delivery, Dottin was run out while attempting a second run, sealing the narrow victory for MI London. Charlotte Dean finished with 3 for 26 for the Spirit, while Hannah Rainey claimed 2 for 12. For the winners, Matthews returned figures of 2 for 21 and Tara Norris took 1 for 18.
MI London ended their winless run in The Hundred 2026 by securing a thrilling 3-run win over London Spirit, at Lord’s, on Thursday.
Reduced to 64 for 8, MI London fought their way to 122 before defending the total courtesy a fine display of bowling in the death by Hayley Matthews and Nicola Carey.
