London Spirit secured their first win of the season in a high-scoring London derby at The Oval, defeating MI London by seven wickets. The chase was spearheaded by 20-year-old South African Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who delivered a spectacular 64 off just 28 balls to effectively settle the contest within the Powerplay. Opening with Jonny Bairstow, Pretorius immediately attacked Trent Boult, highlighted by a massive 106-metre six over midwicket. The duo propelled Spirit to 50 runs in only 18 balls, establishing a 61-run opening partnership within the first 25 deliveries. Although Bairstow fell for 23 off 12, Pretorius continued his aggressive approach, reaching his maiden fifty in The Hundred in 23 deliveries. He concluded his innings with seven sixes before being dismissed by Boult with the total at 101. Dewald Brevis ensured the victory remained secure, finishing unbeaten on 37 off 18 balls to guide Spirit to 165/3 with 11 balls to spare.
MI London, batting first, posted a total of 164/5. After a quiet start where Will Jacks and James Vince managed 28 runs in the Powerplay against David Willey and Adam Milne, the pair accelerated once the field restrictions were lifted. Jacks achieved a 30-ball half-century, a milestone that also made him the leading run-scorer in the history of the Men’s Hundred. Spirit fought back through the middle overs as James Coles removed Vince for 26. Jamie Overton then claimed two wickets in three balls, dismissing Jacks for a well-made 65 and Nicholas Pooran cheaply. Overton also dismissed Jason Roy, who was caught behind on review after replacing the injured Sam Curran, who sat out due to muscle tightness. Sherfane Rutherford added a late surge with a 19-ball 41, lifting MI London beyond 160 before falling off the final ball of the innings, but his effort was not enough to prevent London Spirit from claiming their first win of the campaign.
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