The Manchester Super Giants began their 2026 The Hundred campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the London Spirit at Lord’s on Thursday. The win was anchored by a disciplined bowling performance, highlighted by Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who claimed 4-17, and supported by Sophie Ecclestone, who finished with 1-7 from her 20 balls.
London Spirit, asked to bat on a slow surface, saw Grace Harris hit the opening ball from Grace Ballinger for a boundary. However, her innings was short-lived, and the Spirit struggled to maintain momentum. The Super Giants took wickets at regular intervals, and after the dismissals of Marizanne Kapp and Deandra Dottin Deandra Dottin, the Spirit were reduced to 28 for 5. A brief partnership between Nadine de Klerk and Charlie Dean ended at 68 following a run out. The Spirit were eventually bowled out for 80 with nine balls remaining.
In the chase, the Super Giants faced little difficulty. Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning built a 33-run opening stand before Lanning was dismissed leg-before. Although the Spirit struck twice in quick succession to spark a brief fightback, the introduction of Richa Ghosh accelerated the Super Giants' progress. Ghosh hit two sixes in four balls, and Paige Scholfield finished the match with another six. The Super Giants reached 86 runs in just 59 balls to secure the win.
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
