Late Fire collapse hands Spirit victory

Figure caption,

Spirit hold on for win to eliminate Fire

The Hundred men’s competition, Sophia Gardens

London Spirit 131-8 (100 balls): Bairstow 34 (19); Jansen 2-16

Welsh Fire 125-7 (100 balls): Cox 44 (28); Willey 3-20

London Spirit won by six runs

Scorecard. Table

Earlier on Wednesday, Welsh Fire were also eliminated as they suffered a six-run defeat by London Spirit in their final group match in Cardiff.

The hosts’ hopes of progressing were slim even if they had won because of their net run-rate of -1.001, and were handed a target of 132 by Spirit.

They looked on course for a routine win as Joe Root and Jordan Cox produced a 47-run stand to take them to 90-2.

Root departed for a run-a-ball 31 but Cox accelerated to reach 44 from 28 balls, leaving his side needing 15 to win from eight balls with six wickets in hand.

But Fire then lost Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession, with Marco Jansen needing a six from the final ball to level the score.

Jansen slapped David Willey over mid-wicket hoping to clear the rope but was caught by Jamie Overton in the deep as they finished narrowly short.

Sent out to bat first, Spirit never fully gained momentum as the Fire bowlers produced a disciplined display to restrict the visitors to 131-8.

Jonny Bairstow’s 34 from 19 balls provided the early impetus for Spirit while James Coles and Overton also added 29 and 21 respectively.

But none were able to convert their starts into a substantial innings as Chris Woakes and Jansen picked up two wickets apiece.

Fire ended their campaign in fifth place with four wins from eight games, while Spirit finished seventh with three wins.

What is happening on Friday?

The competition takes a brief break on Thursday before the knockouts start on Friday.

Both the men’s and women’s Eliminator matches will take place at The Oval with Sunrisers Leeds facing Southern Brave in the women’s competition from 14:15 BST.

Meanwhile, Manchester Super Giants will face Sunrisers Leeds in the men’s Eliminator from 18:00.

The finals at Lord’s follow on Sunday with Trent Rockets’ men’s and women’s sides awaiting the winners of the Eliminators.

You can follow ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.

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