It's the penultimate round before finals day on the 10th June at New Road Worcester. The Blaze have already booked their place and it's looking like Northern Diamonds and Southern Vipers will join them - although for most teams it is in theory all to play for.
Central Sparks v Southern Vipers
Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Saturday 3rd June 2:30pm
Sparks have lost form in recent games and with one of their top bowlers – Em Arlott – missing, it’s been a challenge. England wicket-keeper batter, Amy Jones is back for their double-header at Edgbaston who will be a valuable player against a strong Vipers side.
Vipers look like the more all-round polished team but that’s not to say that the Vipers are untouchable – the Sparks could cause an upset but the Vipers will be hoping for that third place spot for finals day so need the win.
Western Storm v Central Sparks
County Ground, Bristol
Sunday 4th June 10:30am
Central Sparks play again on Sunday – this time away in Bristol against Western Storm. The Storm got their second win last week and proved that when partnerships click, they can be a strong side. Western Storm will be reliant on batters, Sophie Luff, Orla Prendergast and Dani Gibson in particularly but need their bowlers to step up.
Both sides are unlikely to progress but the teams will want to finish well in the table – particularly Sparks who currently sit in 7th but finished 2nd last year.
The Blaze v Sunrisers
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Sunday 4th June 11am
Perhaps one of the most predictable results. The team on a winning streak face the team stuck in a losing rut. The Blaze have qualified for finals day and will look for a place in the final, missing the semi final stage. An easy win against the Sunrisers would do that for them.
It’s hard to see a situation where the Sunrisers weren’t dominated but with finals day off the cards, Sunrisers maybe able to take more risks.
Thunder v South East Stars
Blackpool CC, Blackpool
Sunday 4th June 2:30pm
South East Stars have hugely underperformed in the Lottie Cup – especially considering how tipped they were to do well this season. Thunder had a poor start but have since improved and there are clear signs of progress.
It’s a first visit of the season to Blackpool and Thunder will have the belief to win – given two strong wins in the past few weeks. Stars will want to rectify their poor start and will Target Thunder’s explosive batters.
Northern Diamonds v Southern Vipers
Headingley, Leeds
Sunday 4th June 3:30pm
Again, it’s a top of the table clash (ish). Both sides look like they are heading towards finals day – the Diamonds only suffering one loss so far. It is also likely that these two teams will face each other in the eliminator/semi-final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup and so this will be a great opportunity to figure out the opposition.
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