A regal reception perhaps awaits Nadine de Klerk as she etched her name into Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy history, taking 7/33 – the best figures in the tournament’s history. Elsewhere, the rain pored down, the sun set and the Thunder tied with the Sparks.
The Sun is Setting again
The rain was centre stage as Sunrisers’ game against the South East Stars was reduced to 29 overs per side. The Stars batted out all 29 overs, finishing on 151/9. Kira Chathli top scored with 28 but it was the ever-present Paige Scholfield who had the healthier strike rate, scoring 27 from 25 balls.
Leg-spinner, Abtaha Maqsood kept the Sunrisers’ hopes alive, taking 4/23 – totalling nine wickets so far this season.
South East Stars started on the front foot, Freya Davies removing Grace Scrivens for 2. Within four overs, there were three identical wickets, bowled by Phoebe Franklin and caught by Sophia Dunkley. It was a productive day out for another leggie as Dani Gregory took 4/12 and the hosts were bowled out for 64.
I hear Thunder
Thunder displayed one of their most cohesive batting performances for a while against the Central Sparks. Returning to Old Trafford, Thunder posted 234 – again being bowled out – however, Sophie Ecclestone top scored with 74 from 65 balls, her highest List A score and Emma Lamb totalled 56. Fi Morris also racked up the runs, scoring 31.
For Sparks, Georgia Davis, once again starred with the ball, taking 2/38 from her 10 overs. But, it was debutant and overseas signing, Erin Burns who took the headlines, registering figures of 4/56.
In Sparks' batting innings, play was paused due to rain, however, the sides managed to get back underway to complete a 45 over game. Eve Jones top scored with 69 but there were also good displays from Erin Burns (37), Ami Campbell (28) and Davina Perrin (27*).
It was team effort with the ball for Thunder, Kate Cross took three wickets while Sophie Ecclestone and Tara Norris picked up two wickets apiece.
Sparks required 8 runs from the last over which 17-year-old Mahika Gaur was entrusted with bowling. With two runs required from the last ball, Sparks fell short of the win and the match was tied - the first ever tie in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Coronation Rain
In classic coronation day style, the rain was pouring in the south preventing any chance of play down in Hove. The teams will take two points each. Two important points for Western Storm but the Vipers will be gutted, missing out on the change to seal another big win.
History for de Klerk
In a bizarre turn of events, the Northern Diamonds found themselves all out for 62 in Durham against the Blaze. Somebody get a fire extinguisher because the Blaze is truly roaring. South African international, Nadine de Klerk took 7/33 – the best figures in the history of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. She generously allowed Grace Ballinger to take the other three wickets, the pair being the only bowlers featured.
In response, the Blaze certainly played a steady game. Marie Kelly top scored with 15 and the Diamonds tried to salvage the state of the game, Chloe Tryon taking 4/16. Leg spinner, Katie Levick took two wickets – her 8th and 9th of the season – but the Blaze got over the line in the 19th over.
It means that the Blaze sit comfortably at the top of the table, unbeaten in their campaign, with a strong net run rate of 1.683.
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