The Hundred Women’s 2022, Match 15 Review: Alice Capsey's all-round brilliance sees Oval Invincibles through in low-scoring game

Oval Invincibles clinched their third victory of the Hundred Women‘s 2022 fixture against Birmingham Pheonix in Match 15 at the Kennington Oval in London. This was the first defeat for the Birmingham Pheonix in this year’s edition, and hence, Southern Brave remains the only undefeated side.

Earlier in the game, Oval Invincibles opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and Sophia Smale removed the opposition skipper Sophie Devine for just seven. Amy Jones and Evelyn Jones took the time initially to ensure wickets did not in bundles, and it had taken a toll on the scoring rate. Alice Capsey’s introduction to the bowling attack proved to be fruitful as she picked up three wickets in the middle and left the Birmingham Pheonix at 71 for 5 with the top five batters gone.

Issy Wong’s and Emily Arlott hit some crucial boundaries in the end as 106 was all that Birmingham Pheonix could post in the first innings with seven wickets fallen. All Oval Invincibles bowlers chipped in with wickets except the experienced Shabnim Ismail and it looked a relatively easy target for them to chase down.

Lauren Winfield-Hill’s unbeaten knock at the top seals victory

In reply, Oval Invincibles openers Lauren Winfield-Hill and Suzie Bates got off to a decent start before Pheobe Franklin got the better of Bates for 17. Capsey (20) and Winfield Hill managed to get through the tough phase by rotating the strike around and gave nothing to the Birmingham Phoenix bowlers. Dane van Niekerk (21*) continued from where Capsey left off as her partnership with Winfield Hill sealed the game for the Oval Invincibles.

Winfield-Hill remained unbeaten on 41 off 38 balls including six fours and a six and she played the situation perfectly to take her side over the line. Emily Arlott was the pick of the bowlers for the Birmingham Pheonix as she bowled an economical spell despite picking up just one wicket. Capsey picked up the Player-of-the-Match award for his contributions with both bat and ball.