Packed into the space of three weeks, the 2023 Charlotte Edwards Cup is set to be played at major venues with double headers taking place for regional teams and their affiliated counties. The current champions, the Southern Vipers, are not playing in this ‘first round’ and will start their campaign next Tuesday against the South East Stars.
Sunrisers v Central Sparks
Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Thursday 18th May 6:30pm
Central Sparks had their strongest Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign last season, reaching the final. Sunrisers on the other hand, were winless.
Landing in London just days ago, former South African all-rounder, Dane van Niekerk, has been named in Sunrisers’ squad for the clash and naturally, she will be essential for the side. Van Niekerk is a powerful batter and had demonstrated her tactical knowledge during her time in the Hundred over the last two years for winning side, Oval Invincibles.
Sparks, however, have had quite a strong start to the season. Their batting will need to be more explosive but they have many options including 2022 leading run scorer and player of the tournament, Amy Jones.
Realistically, it’s Sparks’ game to lose but with the addition of van Niekerk, Sunrisers have the potential to cause upsets.
Northern Diamonds v Western Storm
Headingley, Leeds
Friday 19th May 6:30pm
Northern Diamonds have excelled in the longer format however, the side have historically struggled in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. Western Storm have had more success, however, neither side have made a final.
Diamonds have truly has a roller coaster of a season so far, with emphatic victories and disastrous losses. Their bowling must get more consistent and their batting needs to become less reliant on the middle to lower order.
South African all-rounder, Chloe Tryon, excels in T20s having scored over 1000 international T20 runs. Tryon – alongside Bess Heath – have shown their ability to strike quickly and pile on the runs.
Storm are still missing their skipper, Sophie Luff, who continues to be a big loss for the side. Diamonds would be favoured to win, specially at home in Headingley.
South East Stars v The Blaze
County Ground, Beckenham
Saturday 20th May 2:30pm
These two sides have not yet met this season but are both teams who have excelled so far. The Blaze will want to start their T20 campaign in the way they started their season – unbeaten.
Stars have had a similar run of form although they have suffered defeats. Stars have some key batters such as Aylish Cranstone who have demonstrated their skill with the bat in T20s – Stars may be missing some of their England players and so other players will need to step up.
The Blaze have struggled with consistent batting but their bowling has set them apart from their opponents – particularly their spin department.
Stars also have plenty of bowling options – the side using nine bowlers in a recent game – but batting is certainly their strength.
Western Storm v Thunder
County Ground, Taunton
Sunday 21st May 2:30pm
Western Storm have a busy weekend, playing their second game on Sunday. They have an 100% win rate against Thunder, who have only registered four wins in the history of the tournament.
Thunder have not won a game this season, and will look to improve their run in the T20 campaign. Similarly, Western Storm will want to continue the form they find in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and will be keen to make the knockout stages.
Many of Thunder’s batters seem more suited for the shorter format with players such as Deandra Dottin and Liberty Heap playing with more power and flair. It’s difficult to see which Western Storm players could match that.
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