The Hundred 2022, LS vs OI : Morgan’s masterclass powers London Spirit to a thrilling victory

Contrary to the last season, London Spirit have got a winning start to this year’s Hundred competition, piping Oval Invincibles by three runs in a nail-biter on Thursday. 

Eoin Morgan’s heroics propel London Spirit to a mammoth total 

After being invited to bat first, London Spirit got a decent start as Adam Rossington and Zak Crawley added 32 runs off 15 balls for the first wicket. But, soon, Pakistani speedster Mohammad Hasnain wreaked havoc in the Spirit’s camp by removing both openers in quick succession. 

The experienced Glenn Maxwell could only crawl his way through to a 16-ball 18, before being dismissed by the spin maestro Sunil Narine. What happened next was sheer carnage. 

Morgan played a scintillating knock last night 

Young Dan Lawrence and skipper Eoin Morgan stitched a blistering stand of 72 runs off just 39 balls, ensuring a massive total for the Spirit. Although Lawrence was dismissed by Narine for a well-compiled 20-ball 27, Morgan continued hammering the Oval bowlers, rolling the clock back to his peak days. 

Before being dismissed by Reece Topley, the former England captain enthralled the spectators with his gorgeous stroke play, scoring a quick-fire 29-ball 47 with the help of five fours and three gigantic sixes. 

Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 19-run cameo ensured a fitting finish for the Spirit as they posted 171 runs on the board in the allotted 100 balls. Narine was the best bowler from Oval’s side, picking two wickets for 25 runs in his sets.

Oval Invincibles fall short despite middle order’s valiant efforts

Oval got a disastrous start in the pursuit of 172, losing their top four for just 12 runs inside the first 17 deliveries. Jordan Thompson and Nathan Ellis triggered the collapse, picking two wickets apiece. 

Cartwright was Oval's best batter with 42 runs

However, Jordan Cox and Hilton Cartwright kept the Invincibles’ hopes alive, adding 74 runs off just 48 balls for the fifth wicket. 

After their departure, Tom Curran (27 off 15) and Danny Briggs (29* off 11) gave London Spirit a good run for their money. But their efforts went in vain as Thompson exhibited his supreme death-bowling skills, restricting the Invincibles to 168.  

Ellis starred with the ball for London Spirit

Ellis was London’s best bowler with his three for 28, while Thompson grabbed two wickets for 31 runs.   

Brief Scores: 

London Spirit: 171/6 (100)

Eoin Morgan 47 (29), Dan Lawrence 27 (20); 

Sunil Narine 2/25 (20), Mohammad Hasnain 2/40 (15)

Oval Invincibles: 168/7 (100)

Hilton Cartwright 42 (23), Jordan Cox 39 (30); 

Nathan Ellis 3/28 (20), Jordan Thompson 2/31 (20)

London Spirit won by three runs. 

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