The Hundred Men’s 2022, Match 24 Review: Dan Lawrence steps up for London Spirit in close fought game

London Spirit picked up their fifth victory of the season as they defeated the Welsh Fire comfortably in Match 24 of the Hundred Men’s 2022 at the Lords. With the win, the London Spirit moved to the top of the points table while the horrendous run of Welsh Fire in the tournament this season continued.

Earlier in the game, Welsh Fire opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and the duo of Adam Rossington and Bell-Drummond started well. Jake Ball got through the defenses of Bell Drummond for 12, while Rossington’s quickfire innings of 32 ended once Ish Sodhi came into the attack. Eoin Morgan was removed for a duck, and the London Spirit desperately needed a partnership to get their innings.

Ben McDermott and Dan Lawrence stuck around and started to find boundaries regularly once they got into the groove. McDermott perished after a 23-ball 32, while Lawrence hit three sixes in his 26-ball 43 at the strike rate of 165.38. Kieron Pollard finished off the innings with an unbeaten 25 as the London Spirit reached 156 for 6 in their first innings. Sodhi was the pick of the bowlers for the Welsh Fire with 2 for 19 in his spell.

Chris Wood, Dan Lawrence dismantle Welsh Fire batting lineup

In reply, the Welsh Fire got off to a disastrous start, having lost four wickets quickly with just 37 on the board and the required rate popped up considerably. Lawrence proved to be the difference maker, as he picked three of the four wickets, and the onus was on Ben Duckett and Dwaine Pretorious to take the side home. The pair did bring some hopes after some lusty hits once they got their eye in.

However, the equation was a lot tougher despite Leus de Plooy and Matthew Critchley trying out their best in the final overs as the Welsh Fire fell short by 17 runs at the end. Both Lawrence and Chris Wood picked up four wickets each and dented the run chase for the Welsh side, who did not have the answers to a stunning bowling display.