There’s another bottom of the table clash while the top three teams will face each other in what could be quite a decisive few days of cricket in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. With finals day getting closer, every point really counts – particularly those bonus points!
Central Sparks v Thunder
New Road, Worcester
Monday 29th May 10:30am
With the momentum in the Thunder’s hands, it’s a crucial game for both sides. To keep finals day hopes alive, both teams will be looking for the win but key players will be missing.
For the Sparks, Amy Jones and Em Arlott will be huge misses –Jones being a vital batter for the side and Arlott, one of the most economical bowlers and a key wicket taker. Issy Wong will also be unavailable. Thunder have the absence of Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross however, they still keep Emma lamb, for now, who is essential for putting runs on the board.
This will be the first meeting for the sides in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and historically, in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy the teams have matched quite evenly. Based on current form, it would seem that Sparks are the stronger side with more wins under their belt but, without their England players, they could struggle.
The Blaze v Southern Vipers
Derbyshire CCC, Derby
Monday 29th May 11am
Both unbeaten – the Blaze 3 from 3 and Vipers 2 from 2 – this is set to be a highly contested match! In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, The Blaze have been strong, but they do look beatable. There have been some poor batting performances and moments with the ball.
On the other hand, Vipers are as strong as ever. If Blaze are to slip up, it is likely that it would be against the Vipers. However, the challenge could further ignite their flair and enable them to continue their winning streak.
The two sides will also be missing some of their England players – potentially Nat Sciver-Brunt, Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Glenn for the Blaze and a large amount of Vipers players including Danni Wyatt and Lauren Bell.
Sunrisers v Western Storm
County Ground, Northampton
Wednesday 31st May 2:30pm
Sunrisers will be hungrier than ever to get their first win on the board. Creating a winning culture is challenging but Sunrisers are miserably failing at that currently. Neither team will be hugely effected by England call ups which enables the sides to stay quite consistent and evenly matched.
Dane van Niekerk is yet to get firing for the Sunrisers but her leadership will need to be present in that side – especially when they are in a losing rut. Western Storm have had a disappointing season so far but showed positives against the South East Stars when they came close to a win.
The Storm gave away plenty of extras which they will want to avoid; the Sunrisers will look to not concede penalty runs this time!
Southern Vipers v Thunder
Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Wednesday 31st May 3pm
It’s difficult to see a scenario where the Thunder are victorious over the Vipers – particularly when travelling away to the Ageas Bowl. However, confidence is key for the Thunder and if they can get a win on the road against Central Sparks then that momentum is their huge advantage.
Similarly, a loss for the Vipers against the Blaze could cause them to lose momentum – it could also act as a wake up call for the Vipers who would then desperately need wins in order to progress to finals day.
Northern Diamonds v The Blaze
Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street
Friday 2nd June 2:30pm
The undefeated Northern Diamonds will take on the currently unbeaten Blaze up in Durham. The Northern Diamonds have shown their grit and strong mentality, beating the South East Stars in what was a nail-biting game at the Oval.
The Blaze have enjoyed some safer wins but both teams have been exceptional so far. The Diamonds have looked like a more cohesive team while The Blaze salvaged some errors. It will be a game which is likely to be repeated on finals day so a first run will be interesting to watch.
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