Women’s Hundred 2026: Ecclestone’s First Powerplay Spell of the Season Wins the Matthews Battle

Sophie Eccelstone dismissing Hayley Matthews in Women's Hundred 2026
Sophie Eccelstone dismissing Hayley Matthews in Women’s Hundred 2026 (PC: Hundred)

Sophie Ecclestone was named Player of the Match for her exceptional spell as Manchester Super Giants defeated MI London by six wickets at The Oval in the ongoing Women’s Hundred.

The England spinner returned with the figures of 2/7, helping bowl MI London out for just 92, their fifth-lowest total in the tournament’s history.

It was Ecclestone who set the tone in the powerplay. Bowling the first 10 balls of the innings, she dismissed both MI London openers, Hayley Matthews and Alice Davidson-Richards, for ducks to leave the hosts reeling at 2/2.

Interestingly, in Manchester Super Giants’ first three matches of the season, skipper Meg Lanning had not used Ecclestone in the powerplay. But this time, she backed the left-arm spinner to exploit the favourable match-up against Matthews, and the move paid off immediately.

Historically, Ecclestone has enjoyed bowling to the West Indies captain. Before this match, she had dismissed Matthews nine times across franchise T20 competitions, including the Women’s Hundred, while conceding just 62 runs from 97 balls.

The contest once again went Ecclestone’s way. Matthews attempted to defend a length delivery from the crease but managed only an inside edge onto her stumps, making it the 10th time Ecclestone had dismissed her in T20 cricket.

The Super Giants then chased down the 93-run target with 28 balls to spare.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Ecclestone admitted she enjoys bowling in the powerplay and hoped Lanning would continue to use her in that role.

“Thrilled to bowl in the powerplay and get a few wickets. It was about match-ups to Hayley and I came on early. Got a good bowling attack, we have a great line-up and hope our good form continues. Nice to get straight in the powerplay, hope Meg gives me more opportunities there.”

Ecclestone has now taken five wickets in four innings in this year’s Women’s Hundred.

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The post Women’s Hundred 2026: Ecclestone’s First Powerplay Spell of the Season Wins the Matthews Battle appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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