More double headers, more big grounds and some highly contested match ups; there is another busy weekend ahead with more Charlotte Edwards Cup fixtures to enjoy. Here's how the teams may fare.
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The Blaze v Central Sparks
Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
Friday 26th May 1pm
The Blaze are back in action just a day after their successful trip to Manchester, beating Thunder by 3 wickets. The East Midlands side are unbeaten but they look beatable – they aren’t quite the full package. Bowling-wise they have stood out. Grace Ballinger, Lucy Higham and Sarah Glenn in particular have been in great form and with the addition of South African international, Nadine de Klerk, they’ve been a force to be reckoned with.
However, their batting has clear weaknesses. Against Thunder, one of their weaker opponents, The Blaze lost 3 wickets for 10 runs – a sign that they can be beaten.
Sparks – also with a strong bowling attack could be the team to do this. If Sparks can take early wickets and get a few more runs on the board, they could end The Blaze’s winning streak.
South East Stars v Northern Diamonds
The Oval, London
Friday 26th May 1:45pm
The South East Stars head south of the river following their victory over the Sunrisers at Lords yesterday. It will certainly me a contest as the Diamonds are unbeaten and the Stars carry momentum from yesterday.
Northern Diamonds didn’t post a big total against the Sparks in their most recent game and so batting is the Stars’ advantage. However, the Diamonds have shown the depth and skill in their batting line up and so the Stars cannot get complacent.
The Stars’ bowling will need to improve and with the wealth of bowling options they have, they must figure out their ideal bowling attack.
Southern Vipers v Western Storm
The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Friday 26th May 3pm
This game will probably only ever go one way. Even more likely as it is a Vipers home game. The Ageas will be vibrant as the Vipers take on Western Storm. Storm have one win and one loss but the Vipers – who have only played one game – look strong.
The Southern Vipers struggled to get a breakthrough against the Stars, but as soon as they did, the Stars skittled – the Vipers always find a way. Western Storm will be the underdogs and it’s difficult to see where the Vipers could slip up.
Thunder v Sunrisers
Old Trafford, Manchester
Saturday 27th May 2pm
The bottom of the table clashes are always more exciting than the top of the table clashed. Two teams desperate for their first win – and a huge opportunity to register that win.
Thunder host the Sunrisers at Old Trafford in another double header. The northern side has demonstrated significant improvement in recent matches – particularly with the bat. However, Sunrisers now have the addition of the experienced Dane van Niekerk who not only is a world-class player, but a strong leader on the pitch.
Opening the double header, hopefully the crowd will get behind the teams – perhaps this could make the difference in what is expected to be a close game.
Northern Diamonds v Sunrisers
Headingley, Leeds
Sunday 28th May 2pm
Ultimately, the results from Friday and Saturday will determine who has the momentum. Yet, based on their recent from, Northern Diamonds have the upper hand. If Sunrisers beat Thunder, they will have momentum and confidence heading into a challenging game. They have showed that they can beat the best – enjoying victory over the Southern Vipers in the RHFT.
Headingley, however, is somewhat of a fortress for the Diamonds and will be a difficult venue for the Sunrisers to visit.
Western Storm v South East Stars
Somerset CCC, Taunton
Sunday 28th May 2:30pm
After three matches in four days, the South East Stars will be tired and potentially will rotate players. A full strength Western Storm could pose as difficult opposition for a weaker and rotated South East Stars.
The Storm showed their ability with the bat against the Northern Diamonds, registering their highest ever total, despite the loss. If the Storm can take this form into the game against the Stars they could be enjoying another win.
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