MI London finally broke their winless streak in The Hundred 2026 on Thursday, clinching a tense three-run victory over London Spirit at Lord’s. The win was orchestrated by a remarkable rescue mission from Amelia Kerr, who lifted her side from a precarious 64 for 8 to a competitive total of 122. MI London then successfully defended that score through clinical death bowling from Hayley Matthews and Nicola Carey.
The match began disastrously for MI London. Marizanne Kapp made an immediate impact by removing Hayley Matthews early, and the team struggled to find rhythm, managing just 22 runs in the first 30 balls. The situation worsened when Charlotte Dean claimed three wickets in a single set, reducing the side to 23 for 5. While Chenille Henry provided a brief spark with a few boundaries, it was Kerr who anchored the innings. She batted with poise, striking four sixes in her unbeaten 41-ball 69 to guide her team to 122/9.
London Spirit’s chase faced early setbacks as Grace Harris and Marie Kelly departed quickly. Although Amy Jones and Charlotte Dean struggled to accelerate, Marizanne Kapp stabilized the innings with a 28-ball 34, featuring two boundaries and a six. Alongside Nadine de Klerk, who contributed 35, Kapp pushed the Spirit to 93 for 4. When Kerr dismissed de Klerk on the 76th ball, the Spirit still appeared well-positioned, needing 30 runs from the final 24 deliveries.
The momentum shifted back to MI London as Hayley Matthews removed both Charis Pavley and de Klerk in quick succession. Despite a late flurry from Deandra Dottin, the pressure proved too much; needing five runs off the final ball, Dottin was run out attempting a second run. The final scorecard saw MI London finish on 122/9, with London Spirit falling just short at 119/8. Charlotte Dean led the Spirit bowling with 3-26, while Hannah Rainey added 2-12. For MI London, Matthews finished with 2-21 and Tara Norris with 1-18.
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.
With reasonable batting power to follow, the chase was well within their grasp – needing 30 runs off the last 24 balls.
Kapp, bowling 10 balls upfront, cleaned up Matthews.
