The Cricketer looks at the main talking points from the women's Hundred clash between Oval Invincibles and Northern Superchargers at the Kia Oval
Oval Invincibles put on an exhibition in catching during the first innings, with Amanda Jade-Wellington and Ryana MacDonald-Gay exciting the crowd with two excellent grabs.
But as for which was the best? That is better left to you.
It was always going to require something special to deny Davina Perrin on her debut in The Hundred. Already with two boundaries on the board - including a sublime stroke off Marizanne Kapp - Perrin looked to find a third over mid-off.
And though she timed the stroke well, it was picked up magnificently by Wellington who turned, sprinted 13 meters and perfectly timed her dive to complete a brilliant catch.
Some might suggest she was upstaged when Mady Villiers bowled slightly flatter and Phoebe Litchfield couldn't get enough elevation as she tried to beat long-on.
MacDonald-Gay was there waiting and threw herself forward and kept the ball off the ground with an expert piece of timing and athleticism.
When a team is subject to the kind of mauling that Invincibles received on Friday (August 2) then it requires a member of the offending team to, in journalistic parlance, 'front up' and explain the circumstances around the defeat.
A role generally performed by one of the most senior players, it wasn't a huge surprise to see Lauren Winfield-Hill, as media friendly as any of the squad, slowly trudge over to the side of the pitch and deliver her take on the display.
"We just weren't good enough", "tough to take" and "put our best foot forward" - all the classic lines were rolled out as the 33-year-old, capped more than 100 times by England, reflected on the damaging loss.
But then came a twist, the idea that an 82-run defeat, one where the hosts were removed for the lowest score in the competition, might prove to be positive.
"Sometimes to get a bit of a knock, a rocket is not a bad thing," she said. "It makes you reflect and come back better. If you use (defeat) in the right way it is not a bad thing."
It was as perfect a reaction to a defeat as you're likely to see or hear. Accepting responsibility, absorbing criticism, and then making a statement of intent. Chances are, her Invincibles teammates will respond.
Lauren Winfield-Hill showed all her experience in the aftermath (ECB/Getty Images)
Whether Hollie Armitage had eyes on an early finish when she called back Annabel Sutherland for her third set we may never know, but it was an inspired decision which delivered an emphatic victory.
Superchargers, unlike Invincibles, kept things simple with the ball; keeping the stumps in play, hitting a good length, and allowing favourable conditions to do the work.
Here is how it unfolded:
Ball 61: Sutherland to Wellington
Bowled her this time. AJW had just slowed up a tad and she is beaten by a full and straight delivery by her countrywoman.
Ball 62: Sutherland to MacDonald-Gay
Trapped on the crease and MacDonald-Gay is castled. Bit shorter this time from Sutherland but that is enough to expose some non-existent foot movement.
Ball 63: Sutherland to Smale
Hat-trick ball. But Smale keeps it out. All over bar the shouting here.
🔥 4 WICKETS IN 6 BALLS! 🔥
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 2, 2024
Annabel Sutherland has DEMOLISHED Oval Invincibles 😮#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/0gzXb8lXxQ
Ball 64: Sutherland to Wellington
Gone this time and this might be the best of the lot. This one looks to have nipped back a touch and quite satisfyingly hit the top of the middle
Ball 65: Sutherland to Slater
Huge appeal goes up and a fuller ball wraps the No.11 on the pad. Superchargers, as you'd expect go for the review, but DRS picks up a slight inside edge. That moment of victory will have to wait a little bit longer.
Ball 66: Sutherland to Slater
Four in six! Slater goes for a heave and sees her off-peg knocked back. Sutherland backs up her 63 not out with the bat to fine style.
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