‘Central Sparks’ vs ‘SE Stars’ at Edgbaston (Foundation Community Sports Ground) on 30 August (Charlotte Edwards Cup – Regional T20 – Group A)
Previously ‘Stars’ won by 5 wickets with 22 balls remaining (on July 3rd) ‘Stars’ were without Alice Capsey. Winning the return match, ‘Stars’ finish top of ‘Group A’ with 21 points.
*Two teams were separated by different strike rates.
*Most of ‘Stars’ hit above one-run-per-ball, whereas only ‘Sparks’ openers did anything similar *‘Stars’ hit 2 ‘sixes’ and 22 ‘Fours;’ compared to ‘Sparks’ who hit 3 ‘sixes’ and 13 ‘fours.’
*Following ‘Stars’ innings analysis, commentators said it was a ‘tall order’ to expect ‘Sparks’ to win.
*‘Stars’ had got off to a promising start, as skipper Bryony Smith (16) struck 4 ‘fours.’ ‘Sparks’ bowlers took two pairs of wickets during the same over.
*Bowling 3rd over, Grace Potts removed both openers at 26/2 *by mid-way, ‘Stars’ were 82/2 without further loss
*Taking 2 wickets from 12th over, Clare Boycott, Alice Davidson-Richards went for a golden duck
*After 16.4 ov. (100 balls) ‘Stars’ were 132/5; posting a ‘competitive’ score after 20 ov. of 165/6.
*‘Sparks’ made a slower start, only their openers making double figures: Eve Jones (78) and Marie Kelly (25)
*At half-way ’Sparks’ were 70/1, but faced an escalating strike rate of 2 runs-per-ball
*Eve Jones played a skipper’s innings, chalking-up a cautious ‘fifty,’ just after 15 overs *Promoted to No.3 (wearing another player’s shirt), Issy Wong (8) was ‘short-lived,’ hitting Alice Davidson-Richards for an entertaining ‘six’
*As more wickets fell, commentator’s optimism ‘for a miracle’ faded *Davidson-Richards’ death over began with three ‘dot’ balls, followed by another wicket.
*Alice Davidson-Richards’ caught-and-bowled Chloe Hill from the penultimate ball.
*At the final ball, commentators concluded that ‘Sparks’ chances to (win and) make progress beyond the ‘group stage’ had ‘gone down the plug-hole.’
Result ‘SE Stars’ 165/5 beat ‘Central Sparks’ 139/6 by 26 runs
‘Stars’ 165/5 (20 ov. 8.25 runs-per-over) Emma Jones 46*(27), Chloe Brewer 41(33), Kirstie White 29(30), Bryony Smith 16(20); ‘Sparks’ bowling Claire Boycott 3/22, Grace Potts 2/23; Fow 1-24, 2-26, 3-90, 4-90, 5-109, 6-156; ‘Sparks’ 139/6 (20 0v. 6.95 r-p-o) Eve Jones 76(68), Marie Kelly 25(21); ‘Stars’ bowling: Danielle Gregory 3/16, Bryony Smith 2/21, Alice Davidson-Richards 1/31; Fow 1-69, 2-82, 3-97, 4-109, 5-137, 6-139;
Match highlights on NV Play social media at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoDgXTuT5U8
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/charlotte-edwards-cup-2021-1252410/central-sparks-vs-south-east-stars-group-a-1252432/full-scorecard
