Lords, Old Trafford, Edgbaston and the famous Falkland - some great venues on offer this week! The defending champions, the Vipers, get their campaign underway this week while Thunder, Sunrisers and the Stars will be searching for their first win.
Central Sparks v Northern Diamonds
Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Tuesday 23rd May 11am
The record-breaking Northern Diamonds will travel to Edgbaston to face Central Sparks who also won their first game. Due to the previous two table system, the teams have never played each other in the Charlotte Edwards Cup before – however, there’s been some exciting fixtures between the sides in the RHFT.
Diamonds have some key T20 batters, with Lauren Winfield-Hill and Bess Heath in top form. Sparks had a bad day with the bat last week but their fielding and experienced bowling is superior at times to the Diamonds. It’s Sparks’ first time this season at Edgbaston and they’ll be keen to please the home fans.
Based on form, it would be Diamonds’ game to lose. T20 is often a batting game and that’s what Diamonds have nailed.
Southern Vipers v South East Stars
Falkland Cricket Club, Newbury
Tuesday 23rd May 11am
Southern Vipers start their title defence tomorrow against the South East Stars who are coming off a loss against The Blaze. In the group stages, the teams have only came up against each other twice previously – taking one win each.
Vipers have always been a dominant presence but as other teams – such as the Blaze and the Stars – start to step up, the fear of the Vipers is fading and teams are ready to take on the challenge.
Vipers will always be aggressive with the bat but Stars can provide a strong counter attack with the ball – particularly their seam bowlers. The Southern Vipers have the upper hand but Stars would be a team likely to cause an upset over the current champions.
Sunrisers v South East Stars
Lords Cricket Ground, London
Thursday 25th May 2:15pm
Making their debut at Lords Cricket Ground, the Sunrisers will host a double header playing the South East Stars in a north of the river v south of the river derby. The Stars have a busy week, playing the Vipers earlier on so their momentum will depend on that result.
With the big occasion, the Sunrisers will be desperate to step up at take their first win. Alternatively, this pressure could cause them to falter and with a 0% win rate against the Stars, it will prove a tough task.
As with every week, Sunrisers will need their batting to really come together. Their bowlers have stepped up but a lack of cohesive batting has been the point of downfall for the side. Dane van Niekerk – who missed out on her debut through illness – could make her debut for the Sunrisers at Lords, a ground she has had much success at.
With van Niekerk on your side, that changes plenty.
Thunder v The Blaze
Old Trafford, Manchester
Thursday 25th May 4:15pm
The winless Thunder welcome the winning machines Blaze, hosting a double header at Old Trafford. One of the biggest mysteries of the women’s cricket world over the past three years has been the lack of success from Thunder. On paper, the team is stacked with talent – but of course, cricket is not played on paper.
Blaze – under their former name – have won one game against Thunder. However, this new, fresh team is unbeaten. It’s hard to see a way in which Thunder can win but will the loud Old Trafford crowd be the final piece to make the team click?
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