We missed some partnerships in the middle-order: Naomi Dattani after Lord's defeat

against Oval Invincibles on Sunday (July 25), but Naomi Dattani said that she was excited to experience the return of cricket at the Lord’s since the 2017 World Cup final.

“It’s really exciting to play at the home of cricket. Nice to play in front of so many people. This is a fast and exciting competition. This is a good opportunity for people to showcase their talents,” Dattani said, speaking to the media after the match.

The Spirit were in trouble early in the chase as they lost openers Deandra Dottin and Dattani herself within seven balls. Captain Heather Knight was left stranded on the other end as the middle order for the Spirit crumbled under pressure. Danielle Gibson scored 30 runs off just 13 balls but it was too little too late for the home team.

“We have got a long batting line-up. We had confidence throughout. They (Invincibles) bowled quite well at the start. They continued to put pressure on us by taking wickets but, we never thought we were out of it,” Dattani said. “Heather batted well. We were just missing some partnerships in the middle and probably didn’t get to the best start. Danielle came at the end and had a little cameo, which is exciting for the next few games.”

Earlier, London Spirit were blown away by the 16-year-old Alice Capsey as she scored 59 off just 41 balls. “She is good. I have faced her few times before and the confidence she shows with batting is great for her. To be here at this stage and to show what she is capable of (is massive) so, congratulations to her on the score today,” Dattani, who took two wickets for 23 runs, was all praise for her opponent.

On the tournament and playing double-headers alongside the men's matches, she said, “I think it’s allowed women’s cricket to be on big platforms with live streams."

"The doubleheaders help with crowds coming in and getting a chance to see what women’s cricket is all about so, for us always nice to be on that bigger stage and show what we are capable of and what we have been for all these years,” she concluded.