Fri 20 August, 15:00
Eliminator Report: Oval Invincibles v Birmingham Phoenix Women
Marizanne Kapp produced a scintillating all-round performance to send Oval Invincibles to The Hundred final ahead of Birmingham Phoenix.
South African Kapp and Alice Capsey’s half-century partnership helped the Invincibles up to 114 – although Emily Arlott’s accuracy and Kirstie Gordon’s two for 22 had stemmed them from anything more impressive.
Phoenix appeared to be cruising at 66 for two at the halfway point before Kapp’s three for 21 and Tash Farrant’s four for 10 turned the match around – as Phoenix were bowled out for 94 with six balls to spare.
Georgia Adams initially got Oval away with an edge behind before an excellent Phoenix review showed her caught behind before Dane van Niekerk chipped to mid on and Fran Wilson smashed back at a pumped-up Gordon.
At 36 for three a resurgence was desperately needed and through Kapp and Capsey they found the backbone of their total.
Capsey, who recently took her GCSEs, once again underlined why many consider her to be the future of England’s top-order. Kapp was equally effective in the 54-run stand and muscled a six over long-on before skying to long on to depart for 37.
The foundations for a decent total had been laid but a horror last 10 balls saw them only score 14 runs while losing Capsey and Jo Gardner run out and Mady Villiers caught.
In reply, Shafali Verma’s opening replacement Katie Mack edged Kapp behind third ball before Eve Jones fell in identical style to the 13th ball of the innings.
Australian Erin Burns and Amy Jones appeared to have the chase in order having serenely put on 52 but in two balls set about an almighty collapse of eight for 28 in 44 balls.
Burns was incredibly caught by a fully extended Farrant at mid-off and then Jones offered a simple catch extra cover.
Another fine catch, this time a caught and bowled by van Niekerk, saw off Marie Kelly, before Issy Wong had her leg stump removed by Ismail.
The wheels completely fell off as Gwenan Davies top-edged to Bryce, Georgia Elwiss was caught and bowled by Capsey, Arlott slogged to long on and Gordon struck to cover.
