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The Hundred 2024 witnessed a thrilling final as London Spirit emerged victorious, claiming their first-ever title in the competition. The match was a nail-biter, with Spirit needing four runs off the last three balls to secure the win. Deepti Sharma delivered a decisive blow, launching a six over long-on off Hayley Matthews to seal the victory for her side. The triumph was made even sweeter as it occurred on Spirit's home ground at Lord's.
The match was characterized by its twists and turns. Welsh Fire, despite a solid half-century from Jess Jonassen, were restricted to 115-8 by the strong bowling performance of Spirit. England spinners Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean played a crucial role in restricting Fire's run-scoring. The chase started promisingly for Spirit, with Georgia Redmayne and Danielle Gibson providing a solid start. However, a crucial turning point arrived when Gibson was dismissed by Shabnim Ismail, who had earlier claimed the wickets of Meg Lanning, Heather Knight, and Danielle Gibson, putting pressure on Spirit.
With the pressure mounting, it was Gibson's dismissal and Redmayne's subsequent lbw dismissal to Freya Davies that pushed the match to the final over. Deepti Sharma's incredible six in the final over silenced the crowd and secured the title for Spirit. The victory highlights Spirit's resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Their triumph will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to their skill and tenacity on the field. The final of The Hundred 2024 was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of the sport, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
Source: The Hundred 2024 final: London Spirit Women beat Welsh Fire Women