The penultimate group stage made the table change even more. Western Storm and Thunder have kept themselves in with a chance but Sparks and Stars – who made it to finals day last year – have not made the cut.
Outplayed the Vipers
It was the dream start for the Sparks scoring 17 from the first over with Amy and Eve Jones opening the batting. After building a 41-run partnership from a mere 28 balls, E. Jones fell for 19. Wickets fell in quick succession and the Sparks found themselves at 46/3. There were a few mediocre performances with Abbey Freeborn having the next highest contribution of only 23 runs. Sparks were 142/9 at the break with Charlie Dean as the standout bowler taking 3/27 – including a double wicket maiden.
Ella McCaughan and Danni Wyatt held an almost identical opening partnership to that of the Sparks, scoring 42 runs from 31 deliveries. Katie George took three catches off the bowling of Erin Burns, Vipers’ batters repeating the same mistakes, but Danni Wyatt anchored the innings, scoring 68 before being dismissed by Bethan Ellis. The momentum started to swing Sparks’ way – the Vipers requiring 12 runs from the final over. Ellis had an impact again, taking the wicket of Nancy Harman on the first ball of the final over. With two balls left, Ellis took her 4th wicket of the match, leaving the Vipers with an impossible 9 to score from the final ball.
Keeping the Table Alive
After a close win over the Vipers, Sparks fell to defeat against Western Storm, reducing their chances of qualification for final days to 1% - later ruling them out of finals day due to other results. There was another debut for Sparks with England U19 all-rounder Charis Pavely making her first senior appearance.
Sparks posted 135/6 – Erin Burns registering her first half-century for the Midlands side with 66 from 45. Storms’ bowling was far improved with Dani Gibson taking 4/23, Sophia Smale and Alex Griffiths also taking a wicket each.
Western Storm, performed well with the bat, chasing the total down in the final over. Overseas signing Orla Prendergast excelled, scoring a winning 46* added by Fran Wilson who scored 34 from 28 and Sophie Luff who contributed 20 runs to conclude the game.
Macros v Minnows
The Blaze have been ruthless this season. Some of their wins have been quite modest but today’s game showed the depth and ability of the new side. Nat Sciver-Brunt top scored scoring 58 from 30 – a strike rate of 193.33! Tammy Beaumont contributed 41 runs but it was Sarah Glenn’s impressive 43* from 29 deliveries which stood out. The Blaze totalled 198/6 at the end of their innings, posing an almost impossible task for Sunrisers.
Yet again, it was a measly innings from Sunrisers, The Blaze taking the win by 84 runs, Sunrisers ending 114 all out. The Blaze’s bowling attack was strong as usual, Sarah Glenn, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Munro and Nadine de Klerk taking two wickets apiece.
Another Comeback
Thunder made the table much more exciting with a win over South East Stars in Blackpool. Impressing with the bat, Thunder scored 165 with Emma Lamb top scoring with 63 from 38 deliveries. New to Thunder, Fi Morris and Naomi Dattani also stood out scoring 44 and 30 respectively.
Bryony Smith and Paige Scholfield gave the Stars a solid start with an 87 run partnership. But, Thunder’s bowling was relentless with five players (Lamb, Dattani, Kate Cross, Olivia bell and Tara Norris) taking two wickets teach to bowl the Stars out for 149, providing Thunder with a 16-run win.
A Preview
Vipers have almost secured their place at finals day with a 16-run win over the Northern Diamonds. It was a slow start from the Vipers but Georgia Adams provided a steady innings of 42 runs – at a run a ball. Nancy Haman made the difference for the Vipers, scoring 32 from 19 to take their total to 144/6. Katie Levick prevented this score from reaching any higher, recording figures of 2/12 from her four overs.
In reply, the Diamonds had a nervy start slumping to 5/3 thanks to Anya Shrubsole who ended up taking 4/18. Sterre Kalis, Bess Heath and Chloe Tryon all had decent performances however, it was not enough and after 20 over, the Diamonds were only 128/9.
It did however give a chance for the teams to face each other ahead of finals day where it is likely they will play in the eliminator.
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