The breakout star of the first edition of the women’s Hundred, Alice Capsey, celebrated her 18th birthday by overcoming a nasty-looking injury to guide the holders Oval Invincibles to victory on the opening night of the second edition against Northern Superchargers.
With Invincibles bowling first, Capsey (who had already picked up a wicket) fell awkwardly in the field, and required medical attention.
She remained on the field but left two balls later, with Superchargers racking up 143 for five in her absence. Overseas stars Jemimah Rodrigues (51) and Laura Wolvaardt (49) did most of the heavy lifting.
In the chase, Lauren Winfield-Hill – a close season signing from Superchargers – and New Zealand legend Suzie Bates put on 104 in 68 balls to break the back of the task.
When Bates holed out to veteran Jenny Gunn, Capsey emerged to bat at No3. She and Winfield-Hill, who finished with a superb 74 off 42 balls, guided the hosts home by nine wickets to ensure double success for the Invincibles.
Capsey sealed the win with four successive boundaries – the last a switch-hit four – to finish with 25 off eight balls. That is one way to celebrate your 18th birthday.
