The first opportunity for silverware in women’s regional cricket is tomorrow and there are two new teams who will have their first chance at taking Lottie home. The Southern Vipers will look to retain the trophy they won last year at Northampton, beating the Central Sparks. For Thunder and newbies The Blaze, it’s their first finals day in any format and will want a reason to buy a trophy cabinet.
Southern Vipers v Thunder
New Road, Worcester
12pm
Thunder:
Leading Run Scorer: Emma Lamb (196) – 5 innings
Leading Wicket Taker: Tara Norris (9) – 7 matches
Highest Team Total: 165/5 v South East Stars
Southern Vipers:
Leading Run Scorer: Georgia Adams (228) – 7 innings
Leading Wicket Taker: Linsey Smith (10) – 7 innings
Highest Team Total: 171/4 v South East Stars
The Southern Vipers’ defensive campaign began with two wins, the first over local rivals the South East Stars and the other over Western Storm – which gave them a bonus point. They met the undefeated Blaze at the end of May where they lost, although it was a close game. The Vipers briefly bounced back in Southampton against Thunder but the Sparks got the better of them at Edgbaston. The side found victory on the road, heading to Leeds where they dented the Northern Diamonds’ qualification hopes with a 16-run win. An easy win over the winless Sunrisers at Hove saw them secure 2nd place in the table – more importantly, a spot at finals day.
Thunder have had a slightly more rocky road but it makes the qualification spot that much more precious! It was a tough start with two losses, the first against Western Storm and then at Old Trafford against The Blaze. A win over the Sunrisers at home gave some very much needed confidence and momentum leading them to a 36-run win over the Central Sparks at New Road.
A brief pause in winning came as Thunder were defeated by the Vipers but Ellie Threlkeld’s side saw victory over 2021 winners, South East Stars. Heading into the final day, Thunder needed a win. The bonus point is not essential but they would need Vipers to lose and they would still require as big win over the Diamonds to improve their net run rate. They would also require Western Storm to not win with a bonus point. The latter did not matter as Thunder registered a huge victory over the Diamonds securing the bonus point – an all round effort from both batters and bowlers.
The Vipers know how to win and lift those trophies but have also been victim to choking. Thunder haven’t experienced finals day and a semi-final against the Vipers is daunting. The northern side are yet to win a Charlotte Edwards Cup fixture against the Vipers but this could be their first.
Thunder will have the likes of Sophie Ecclestone and Emma Lamb available for selection as well as their recent debutants, Mahika Gaur and Olivia Bell – both whom have been very valuable. The Vipers will also have their England stars making both sides extremely strong. As mentioned, Vipers know how to win, especially on finals day but their inconsistency has been an issue this year and they haven’t been as invincible as they once were. Thunder have been given a huge opportunity and they will not be willing to throw it away
The Blaze v The Winner
New Road, Worcester
4pm
The Blaze:
Leading Run Scorer: Nat Sciver-Brunt (194) – 4 innings
Leading Wicket Taker: Nadine de Klerk (14) – 7 matches
Highest Team Total: 212/5 v Central Sparks
Win, win, win, win, win, win and another win. The Blaze’s inaugural Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign has been as successful so far as it could have been with seven consecutive win – remaining unbeaten in all competitions. Even without their England stars, the team has been full of players ready to step up and win. It seems that they really are living up to their tagline: cricket with purpose.
Due to their consistency and success, it would feel slightly harsh if they weren’t to lift the trophy but it isn’t a given. The Blaze will have to wait to find out their opponents but the confidence will be there after wins over both sides in the group stages.
It’s been a special tournament over at Trent Bridge and their formula for winning has been nailed. The Blaze will be missing their leading run scorer, Nat Sciver-Brunt but, the competition’s leading wicket taker, Nadine de Klerk is expected to be present and will be a key player.
The East Midlands side are probably favourites due to their unbeaten streak – it would be a harsh way to register your first defeat ever; in a final.
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