Katie Levick (pictured) chalked-up her first 4-fer of the season, that included 2 ‘leg-before’ decisions. Katie Levick’s previous 4-fer (in last year’s contest) included 3 ‘leg-before’ against the same team (13/9/03.) Playing against some of the ‘most experienced’ players in the competition in their Roses derby, Thunder batters lost their wickets at regular intervals, losing five to ‘leg-before’ decisions. By contrast, Diamonds most experenced batters – skipper Hollie Armitage (61*not out) partnered by Lauren Winfield-Hill (69*not out) – together built a winning partnership that added 107 runs for Diamonds’ 2nd wicket. Diamonds bonus point victory sees them sharing joint first-place after the first round; situated between Sparks and Sunrisers once net-run-rate is taken into account. Weather was dry, overcast but chilly 8-10C.

Thunder’s innings *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld *With Seren Smale (England A) Mahika Gaur (England & England A) Katie Mack (Australia Big bash) Tara Norris (US); [*Lauren Winfield-Hill (England 2013-2022 & Australia Big bash) keeping wicket for ‘Diamonds’] *Only two (Seren Smale & Katie Mack) of Thunder’s top 4 batters made it to double figures – before both batters went ‘leg before.’ *Astonishingly two other top order batters received ‘ducks.’ *Disaster struck during the 10th over (on 47/3) when Katie Mack and Fi Morris were both dismissed, placing bowler Abi Glen on a hat-trick. *Beyond Thunder’s power-play Katie Levick’s 4-fer helped to bowl-out Thunder for a relatively low score of 165. *Thunder’s batting *Seren Smale 32 (49), Katie Mack 19(23), Tara Norris 19(35), Naomi Dattani 17(29), Danielle Collins 16(44); Diamonds’ bowling: Diamonds had elected to bowl. Katie Levick 4/38, Abi Glen 2/31, Sophia Turner 1/16, Erin Burns 1/18 & best economy (1.8), Phoebe Turner 1/24, Jess Woolston 1/28;

Diamonds’ innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage (England A) *With Sterre Kalis (NL) & Erin Burns (Australia Big bash) [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder] *Diamonds cautious reply and batters restraint was rewarded by gaining 3 wicket’s advantage after 10 overs power-play 35/0 (vs 47/3). *Thereafter, Sterre Kalis was caught at mid-wicket by by Naomi Dattani after mis-hitting a ‘full toss’ from spinner Hannah Jones. *Scoring opportunities added fifty runs during the second set of ten overs:- Diamonds reached 87/1 @20 overs. *By mid-way (25 overs) Diamonds were 108/1 (vs 97/5); requiring just 58 runs to win @2.3 runs-per-over, with nine wickets in-hand. *There followed a century partnership milestone, celebrated between Lauren Winfield-Hill and Hollie Armitage, during which both batters crafted ‘fifties,’ and ‘cruised’ to claim a bonus point for a convincing win.*Diamonds’ batting Lauren Winfield-Hill 69*not out (92), Hollie Armitage 61*not out(71), Sterre Kalis 28(44); Thunder’s bowling: Hannah Jones 1/34; Mahika Gaur with best economy (3.0)

Match result: Northern Diamonds 166/1 (34.3/50 overs; target 166 @4.8 runs-per-over from 50 overs)beat North West Thunder 165 (43.1/50 overs @3.8 rpo) by nine wickets with 93 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104419#scorecard Note: AppleMac users may need to click on left-hand margin to select 2nd match

*Video highlights x55 via right-margin via ECB & Yorkshire Cricket TV (via NV Play) @URL https://yorkshireccc.com/match/northern-diamonds-v-thunder-at-chester-le-street-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-20-apr-2024/

*Match without sound commentary, accessible free-to-air courtesy of Yorkshire Cricket TV via ‘YouTube’ <4h25m22s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9vdxIe7K9U&t=13s

Athapaththu’s ninth ODI century, which is the highest score in a successful chase in Women’s ODIs, helped her overtake England all-rounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt to the top spot. The left-hander had earlier been number one from 3 to 12 July 2023 before Beth Mooney and then Sciver-Brunt overtook her.

Another former number one batter also rose after the series, Athapaththu’s counterpart Laura Wolvaardt moving up two places to third position after scoring an unbeaten 184 that helped South Africa post a huge total of 301 for five in the third ODI.

West Indies captain Hayley Mathews completed a trio of captain-openers who moved up the rankings, her double of 140 not out and three for 17 in the first match of their ICC Women’s Championship series against Pakistan in Karachi helping her move up seven places to 11th position among batters and to second in the all-rounders’ list.

Former captains Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies (up two places to 18th) and Bismah Maroof of Pakistan (up one place to 27th) are other notable gainers in the batting rankings while Sri Lanka’s Nilakshi de Silva and the West Indies pair of Shemaine Campbell and Chinelle Henry have also moved up the rankings.

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has progressed from 23rd to 17th position after grabbing three wickets in the first two matches against the West Indies. Connell (up three places to 25th), Henry (up six places to 36th), Kavisha Dilhari of Sri Lanka (up seven places to 48th) and Umm-e-Hani of Pakistan (up nine places to 60th) are others to move up the bowling rankings.

For more about the ICC Rankings, please click here.

For the ICC Women’s Championship standings, please click here.

With thanks to the ICC

Skipper Eve Jones was ‘chuffed,’ for Sparks inaugural win, beating Blaze for the first time at 50 overs. Commentators highlighted Sparks’ previous history of ‘dropped catches’ that for them, overshadowed this Midlands derby. Electing to bat first on a ‘tricky pitch’ Blaze’s Nadine de Klerk peppered Sparks batters with ‘tight bowling’ and ‘dot balls’ to restrict Sparks power-play score to just 26/1. Commentators complemented Abbey Freeborn (pictured) who played her shots, making top score with a match-winning ‘fifty.’ Between innings the match seemed nicely balanced. When Blaze replied, Sparks’ seamers (Emily Arlott paired with Issy Wong) reduced Blaze’s power-play to a menial score of 14/3. Eve Jones suffered a nightmare dropped-catch at slip. Commentators complemented Davina Perrin (who’d previously scored back-to-back winning ‘fifties’ during England u19’s IT20 tour of SriLanka.) Without key players, Blaze’s run-chase faltered, handing victory to Sparks with a wider margin than commentators might have expected. Commentators were Mike Perkins (Sports journalist) and Claire B Jenkins (former Somerset & Derbys women) with guest Barbara Daniels (ex England women, West Mids & Staffs.) Match was played in cloudy dry conditions 10-12C.

*Sparks’ Innings *Skipper Evelyn ‘Eve’ Jones with Hannah Baker & Issy Wong (England A) Davina Perrin (England u-19s) *Without Amy Jones (England) [*Ella Claridge keeping wicket for Blaze] *Slow start. *After 10 overs power-play 26/1 reaching 84/3 by mid-way (25 overs.) *Debutante as wicket-keeper Ella Claridge made two stumpings, bagging Ami Campbell’s wicket after mid-way (off Marie Kelly) *Ella Claridge also stumped Abbey Freeborn (off Sophie Munro) who made top-score with ‘fifty.’*’Useful contributions’ edged toward a half-decent total score, past the 200-mark. *Two tailenders (Katie George & Ria Fackrell) exceeded the one-run-per-ball ‘par’ strike rate. *Sparks’ batting: 9 batters made double-figures.*Abbey Freeborn 53(87), Katie George 32(30), Chloe Brewer 22(29), Bethan Ellis 21(30), Davina Perrin 18(38), Izzy Wong 13(14), Ami Campbell 13(21), Eve Jones 12(34), Ria Fackrell 12(11); *Blaze’s bowling: 5/6 bowlers took wickets: Grace Ballinger 3/47, Sophie Munro 2/28, Marie Kelly 1/22, Nadine deKlerk 1/35, Kirstie Gordon 1/52;

*Blaze’s innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon (England A), Beth Harmer (England u-19s) *With Michaela Kirk & Nadine deKlerk ‘just flown-in’ (from Rep. South Africa) *Daisy Mullan (on 5-match loan from Thunder) *Without Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland duties) & Lucy Higham (England A); *Fielded a ‘youthful’ team (explained by injuries & international call-up.) [*Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Sparks] *Even slower start by batters facing dual fast-medium bowling from Emily Arlott & Issy Wong. *Blaze’s power-play score was lower than expected 13/3 (vs 26/1); *Blaze fell some way short of their required run rate by mid-way: 66/4 (vs 84/3) *Top-scorer Nadine deKlerk was batting at No.5. *Too much pressure placed upon tail-enders. *All-but-one batter (Cassidy McCarthy) missed par strike rate, Team Blaze averaging around 3 runs-per-over. *Blaze’s batting: 5 batters made double-figures. Nadine deKlerk 43(65), Ella Claridge 19(41), Daisy Mullan 18(38), Beth Harmer 17(25), Cassidy McCarthy 12(10); Sparks’ bowling: All six bowlers took wickets: Hannah Baker 3/29, Emily Arlott 2/5, Katie George 2/26, Bethan Ellis 1/16, Issy Wong 1/25, Ria Fackrell 1/31.

Match result: Central Sparks 213/9; awarded 5 points (50/50 overs @4.3 runs-per-over) beat The Blaze 135 (41/50 overs, target 214 from 50 overs @3.3 rpo) by 78 runs with 54 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104414#scorecard

*Video highlights, courtesy of ECB & Central Sparks (via NV Play) @URL https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/womens/central-sparks-vs-the-blaze-saturday-20th-april-2024/

*Reporters network (Jamie Ramage) @URL https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/womens/central-sparks-vs-the-blaze-saturday-20th-april-2024/ & https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2024/april/de-klerk-shows-all-round-excellence-in-defeat.html

Keenly contested high-scoring match, Stars beating Vipers (as 3 times defending champions): hitting their run-chase target by a wafer-thin margin. Put in to bat, Vipers chalked-up a defendable score, their openers banking 80 runs between EllaMcCaughan and Australian Charli Knott. By contrast, Stars openers achieved a record home ground partnership of 165 runs between Bryony Smith and Tash Farrant. Tension mounted as Stars needed just 2 runs from their final over, firstly drawing level before winning with 3 balls to spare. Commentators: Jamie Reid (BBC Sport) with sports journalist John Burgess (?) who described the match as a ‘tremendous game’ culminating in a ‘remarkable win’ for Stars – awarded 4 points (4th place.) Match was played in a stiff breeze, mainly under cloudy conditions with cold wind-chill 5-10C.

Vipers’ innings skipper Georgia Adams, with Freya Kemp (England), Georgia Adams & Linsey Smith (England A), Mary Taylor (England u19s), Georgia Elwiss (ex-England) & Charli Knott (Australian on short-term contract.) [*Chloe Hill keeping wicket for Stars] *Vipers reached 49/0 after ten overs’ power-play; their run-rate remaining constant until midway 117/2. *Beyond midway, Georgia Elwiss partnered by skipper Adams necessitated Danni Gregory’s replacement by skipper Smith, who bowled 2 dot balls. *’Looking solid’ on 150/3, Freya Kemp played anchor scoring her maiden ‘fifty,’ until bowled by Bryony Smith with 2 overs remaining. *Next ball, tail-ender Linsey Smith was caught-and-bowled by Ryana MacDonald-Gay. *Vipers’ batting: Top-order batters made good scores: Freya Kemp 50(47) scored 6 ‘fours,’ Georgia Elwiss 44(57), Charli Knott 41(56), Georgia Adams 33(34) Ella McCaughan 30(52); *Stars’ bowling: used 8 bowlers with Alice-Davidson-Richards offering best-of-match economy. *Ryana MacDonald-Gay 3/46, Sophia Dunkley 2/22, Bethan Miles 2/59.

*Stars’ Innings skipper Bryony Smith with Paige Scholfield (England ‘A’) *Also with Sophia Dunkley, Alice-Davidson-Richards & Tash Farrant (England returner) [Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers] *Initially facing 8 overs of ’spin’ and ‘pace’ Stars were level-pegging reaching 51/0 (vs 49/0) after ten overs’ power-play; with 2 wickets’ advantage by midway 131/0 (vs 117/2.) *Record home-fixture opening record partnership between Tash Farrant (recovered from back injury following two year’s absence) and skipper Bryony Smith added 165 inside 30 overs – both falling short of scoring ‘tons’. *Thereafter, batters required-run-rate remained on target. *Sophia Dunkley played anchor role, closing undefeated just short of ‘fifty.’ *Ryana MacDonald Gay ‘who could also bat’ scrambled the winning ‘leg-bye’ mid-way through the final over. *Stars’ batting: Significant first wicket partnership of 165. Tash Farrant 94(97), Bryony Smith 90(99), Sophia Dunkley 48*not out(60); *Vipers’ bowling: used 6 bowlers (vs 8) *Charli Knott 2/35 (with best economy), Georgia Adams 2/48 (who injured her left-hand, when dropping a return catch from A D-R.)

Match result: South East Stars 274/6 (49.3/50 overs, 5.53 runs-per-over; target 274 from 50 ov) beat Southern Vipers 273/9 (50/50 overs 5.46 rpo) by four wickets with 3 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104420#scorecard

*Youtube video with initial sound loss<5h17m20s> courtesy of Utilita Bowl (So’ton) with highlights edited by NV Play @URL https://www.utilitabowl.com/cricket/match-highlights/?match=219042

*ECB Reporters Network (Ben Redwood, Surrey Cricket) @URL https://www.southeaststars.com/stars-beat-vipers-in-high-scoring-opener/

Sunrisers chalked-up their fifth consecutive win at fifty overs, although on this occasion both sides played just over thirty overs apiece. Key to Sunrisers’ victory were two 3-fers: from seamer Nicola Hancock (Australian on short-term contract); also from leg-spinner Jodi Grewcock (England u19s – just returned from high humidity conditions when playing in Sri Lanka.) After setting themselves a comfortable winning target, Skipper Grace Scrivens 63*not out (pictured) partnered by Cordelia Griffith 28 together added 59 runs for Sunrisers 2nd wicket – the highest batting partnership of the match. That resulted in Sunrisers’ comfortable win, albeit with a slower run-rate. Commentators: Kath Wilkins (Coach and former player, England and Somerset Women); with Dr Hannah Thompson-Radford. Match was played in dry chilly conditions with clear blue sky at first, becoming cloudy later 12C.

Storm’s innings skipper Sophie Luff, with Danni Gibson (England), Sophia Smale (England u19s), Fran Wilson (ex-England) & Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia World Cup winner & big-bash league.) [*Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers] *Batting at No7, Natasha Wraith 42 (52) made top score, striking six ‘fours,’ also ensuring Storm chalked-up three figures. *After ten overs’ power-play, Storm batters were ’looking solid’ on 33/1. *Storm reached 88/7 by midway (drinks.) *Sunrisers ‘put pressure’ on Storm’s batters culminating in a ‘dramatic’ batting collapse, having taken five wickets in 8.1 overs.’ *Commentator’s curse struck when Sophie Luff ‘who’d previously made 157′ against the same team, collided with Sophia Smale. *Sophia Smale failing to complete the single whilst finding her feet as Esmae MacGregor removed the bails at the bowler’s end. *Jodi Grewcock who’d previously taken a 3-fer against Storm, last September (at 50 overs during Sept’23) dismissed Storm’s top three batters: Sophie Luff, Danni Gibson and Amanda-Jade Wellington, the latter falling to a ‘great’ diving catch by Grace Scrivens. *‘Looking to sweep,’ Katie Jones went ‘leg-before’ to Mady Villiers. *Fran Wilson chipped a ’simple catch’ to Jo Gardner and Niamh Holland lobbed a return dolly, easily caught-and-bowled by Esmae MacGregor. *Storm’s batting: *Only three batters made double-figures. Natasha Wraith 42(52), Fran Wilson 18(22), Sophia Smale 16(40); *Sunrisers’ bowling: *Seamer Nicola Hancock took 3/15 on debut with best economy. Nicola Hancock 3/15, Jodi Grewcock 3/28, Mady Villiers 2/36, Esmae MacGregor 1/16.

Sunrisers’ Innings  skipper Grace Scrivens (England ‘A’) with Jodi Grewcock (England u19s), Mady Villiers (ex-England) & Nicola Hancock (Australian big-bash league: Queensland and Brisbane Heat.) [Nat Wraith keeping wicket for ‘Storm’] *Grace Scrivens 63*not out (98) made top score with 10 ‘fours’, playing a skipper’s innings partnered by Cordelia Griffith 28(48) who struck 4 ‘fours.’ *Ariana Dowse (who’d previously scored a maiden ‘ton’) went first-ball to Amanda-Jade Wellington’s ‘full-toss.’ *Jodi Grewcock (3 ‘fours’) helped see Sunrisers home, winning by their largest ever margin: by 8 wickets with almost 20 overs to spare. *Sunrisers’ batting: Grace Scrivens 63*(98), Cordelia Griffith 28(48), Jodi Grewcock 15*(34); *Storm’s bowling: Amanda-Jade Wellington 1/32; Chloe Skelton 1/32.

Result: Sunrisers 116/2 (33.4/50 overs, 3.44 runs-per-over; target 115 from 50 ov) beat Western Storm 114 ( 30.4/50 overs 3.71 rpo) by eight wickets with 98 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104421#scorecard

*Youtube video <5h17m20s> courtesy of Glamorgan Cricket TV, with highlights edited by NV Play @URL https://westernstorm.co.uk/fixtures-results/#v967b7873-be15-4683-aa64-32c432adda9c

*ECB Reporters network match report @URL https://www.sunriserscricket.com/post/match-report-storm-v-sunrisers

The ECB has released its annual survey of the women’s regional captains who have predicted what they expect to happen ahead of the opening round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy on Saturday.

Georgia Adams’ Southern Vipers won both white-ball trophies last year, and have won five of the seven trophies available over the past four seasons. Four of the women’s domestic regional skippers expect the Vipers to add to that tally by winning the 50-over competition again this summer.

Only one captain, however, has backed them to lift the Charlotte Edwards Trophy, as the South East Stars, led by Bryony Smith, were predicted by four skippers to win the 20-over format.

Thunder, chasing their first title in the final year of the women’s regional structure, earned two captains’ votes to win the Charlotte Edwards Cup while across the Pennines the Northern Diamonds have been tipped as the most likely to challenge the Vipers in Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

The Thunder’s teenage wicketkeeper-batter, Seren Smale, earned the most votes as the most exciting young England-qualified player.

Smale toured New Zealand with England A in the winter and was picked up in last month’s The Hundred Women’s Draft by Birmingham Phoenix.

The depth of young talent across England and Wales was evident in the fact 11 young guns earned votes from the captains, with Grace Scrivens (Sunrisers), Mahika Gaur (Thunder) and Ryana Macdonald-Gay (SE Stars) all also earning multiple selections.

Macdonald-Gay was also tipped to be one of the leading wicket-takers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, with Vipers spinner Linsey Smith the best backed with four votes.

Northern Diamonds skipper Hollie Armitage received the most votes to be the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy ahead of her team’s derby opener against Thunder at the Seat Unique Riverside tomorrow.

Women’s regional team captains survey – anonymous predictions for the 2024 red-ball season:

Which team – not including your team – do you think will win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy?

4: Southern Vipers; 2: Northern Diamonds; 1: SE Stars 1, Sunrisers 1

Which team – not including your team – do you think will win the Charlotte Edwards Cup?

4: SE Stars; 2: Thunder; 1: The Blaze, Southern Vipers.

Which player – not from your team – will be the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy?

3: Hollie Armitage (Northern Diamonds); 2: Grace Scrivens (Sunrisers); 1 Georgia Adams (Southern Vipers), Kathryn Bryce (Blaze), Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds)

Which player – not from your team – will be the leading run-scorer in the Charlotte Edwards Cup?

2: Bryony Smith (SE Stars), Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds); 1: Hollie Armitage (Northern Diamonds), Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers), Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

Which player – not from your team – will be the leading wicket-taker in the RHFT?

2: Katie Levick (Northern Diamonds); 1: Georgia Adams (Southern Vipers), Emily Arlott (Central Sparks), Georgia Davis (Central Sparks), Ryana Macdonald-Gay (SE Stars), Fi Morris (Thunder), Amanda-Jade Wellington (Western Storm)

Which player – not from your team – will be the leading wicket-taker in the Charlotte Edwards Cup?

4: Linsey Smith (Southern Vipers); 2: Ryana Macdonald-Gay (SE Stars); 1: Hannah Baker (Central Sparks), Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)

Who are the two most exciting young England-qualified players – not from your team, and aged 23 or under – to watch out for this summer in the women’s regional game?

3: Seren Smale (Thunder); 2: Mahika Gaur (Thunder), Ryana Macdonald-Gay (SE Stars), Grace Scrivens (Sunrisers); 1: Hannah Baker (Central Sparks), Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers), Charis Pavely (Central Sparks), Davina Perrin (Central Sparks), Grace Potts (Central Sparks), Alexa Stonehouse (SE Stars), Mary Taylor (Southern Vipers)

With thanks to the ECB

The 10 teams competing in the Qualifier have been divided into two groups of five each, the top two from each group will enter the semi-finals with the semi-final winners confirming their trip to Bangladesh.

Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda and the United States of America (USA) feature in Group A, while Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vanuatu and Zimbabwe make up Group B.

Ireland and Netherlands are favourites to progress to the semis from Group B, hosts UAE aim to excel in home conditions.

Ireland and the Netherlands will begin their Group B fixtures as the favourites to progress from the five-team group. Ireland finished fifth (last) in Group 2 at last year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa – suffering four defeats in as many games. Their disappointing outing in the tournament has resulted them competing in the Qualifier.

Currently ranked 10th in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings, Ireland possess the quality and experience to finish amongst Group B’s top two and get a crack at the semi-finals. They play UAE in their Qualifier opener on 25 April at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The other European side to feature in the Qualifier, the Netherlands, are currently ranked 15th in the ICC team rankings, they open their campaign against Vanuatu at Tolerance Oval on 27 April. Netherlands play Sri Lanka and Thailand in their two warm-up matches on Sunday and Tuesday.

Hosts the UAE, one of the two Asian teams to compete in the Qualifier, will be aiming to give Ireland and the Netherlands a tough run in their bid to secure a T20 World Cup spot for the first time ever. The UAE have beaten the Netherlands once and are only one spot behind them in the current rankings.

The UAE will be hoping to make the most of their knowledge of their home conditions and an extended period of preparation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE are currently ranked 16th and will be eyeing opportunities at victory when they face Vanuatu and the USA, along with at least one between Ireland and the Netherlands, to progress to the semi-finals.

Vanuatu, who are appearing in the Qualifier for the first time, are the least experienced side in the competition. They secured the lone East Asia Pacific spot with an impressive performance in their Regional Qualifiers and will be hoping to make a big impression and upset some of the more formidable and experienced sides in the tournament.

Vanuatu are yet to play a T20I against any of their group adversaries and their current ranking of 30th makes them the lowest ranked team in the event. They will play their first match of the tournament against Zimbabwe on the opening day – Thursday, 25 April.

Zimbabwe, currently ranked 13th, are set to provide a tough fight to their Group B opponents. They are one of the two African teams to compete in the Qualifier. Zimbabwe are yet to beat Ireland in a T20I but have beaten the UAE once.

Wins against Vanuatu and the UAE can give them an outside chance of securing one of the two semi-final spots in the group, provided they can topple one of the more accomplished Group B sides – Ireland and the Netherlands.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier supported by Dream11 warm-up fixtures:

Sunday, 21 April

Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Thailand vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Zimbabwe vs USA, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Ireland vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Uganda vs Vanuatu, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Tuesday, 23 April

Uganda vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Sri Lanka vs Vanuatu, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Thailand vs Netherlands, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Ireland vs USA, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00]

With thanks to the ICC

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed the eight First Class Counties who have been successful in their bid to be awarded Tier 1 women’s team status from 2025.

As a further outcome of the Tier 1 invitation to tender process, the ECB has also today announced the selection of two additional First Class Counties to expand Tier 1 from eight to ten teams by 2027, and an intent to grow to 12 teams by the 2029 season.

The eight selected Counties to compete in Tier 1 of the evolved women’s professional domestic structure from 2025 are:

• Durham

• Essex

• Hampshire

• Lancashire

• Nottinghamshire

• Somerset

• Surrey

• Warwickshire

Joining them, by 2027, will be Glamorgan and Yorkshire, who have been named as the first two Tier 1 expansion teams.

To accelerate Glamorgan and Yorkshire’s Tier 1 preparations between 2025 and 2027, and to enhance access for talented female players across the North East and Wales before such a time the clubs join Tier 1, both Counties will receive additional funding from 2025 to run their own “Tier 1 standard” talent pathway.

The ECB has also set the ambition to expand Tier 1 to 12 teams by 2029, given the rapid growth of the women’s game and the level of passion and desire for the growth of women’s professional cricket demonstrated across the FCC network during this tender process. No decision has been made yet as to where these further two teams would be based.

The plans – which could see an 80% increase in the number of professional female players in England and Wales by 2029 compared to today – will further accelerate the growth of women’s cricket as a three-tiered domestic competition structure is introduced, and the ownership model underpinning the women’s professional game evolves.

To enable the expansion from eight to ten Tier 1 teams, the ECB is committing a further £3m a year from such a time Glamorgan and Yorkshire’s women’s teams are operational. It will mean a total of £8m new funding per year is invested into women’s domestic cricket by 2027 – taking annual investment in this area to c.£19m.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Through this process we’ve seen a huge appetite from First Class Counties to have a women’s professional team, and a real commitment to growing women’s and girls’ cricket in this country.

“I’d like to congratulate those counties who have been successful in their bids. I’m also delighted that in light of the support we have seen and the strength of the bids we have considered, we can accelerate our plans, including new top tier professional teams at Glamorgan and Yorkshire by 2027 with and a further two being introduced by 2029.

“More professional teams means more women able to make a career out of being a cricketer, more role models to inspire future generations, and more of the country having a women’s professional team to follow nearby.

“I recognise today’s announcement will also be disappointing to those who haven’t been successful at this stage. But with the new three-tier structure we are introducing, there is still a huge opportunity for them to compete in the other tiers so together we can all realise the potential of women’s domestic cricket.”

ECB Director of Women’s Professional Game Beth Barrett-Wild said: “At the start of this tender process we challenged the First Class Counties to show us their vision for the women’s professional game and to demonstrate their desire and commitment to becoming one of our professional Tier 1 Clubs.

“Over the last couple of months it’s been brilliant to see the time and energy that has gone into the submissions, and I’ve been hugely impressed by the quality and ambition of the bids.

“The decision to select two additional Counties – Glamorgan and Yorkshire – as the ninth and tenth Tier 1 Clubs by 2027, and our stated aim to move to 12 teams in Tier 1 by 2029, is testament to the strength of the bids and the pace at which we all want to move to effect change.

“It’s clear that the game is united in wanting to take the women’s professional game forward, and in wanting to produce commercially vibrant teams and competitions that excite fans and showcase the quality of our professional players.

“I’m energised about what comes next, for the Counties themselves, for the players, for fans and for everyone who wants to see women’s cricket continue its accelerated trajectory.”

All 18 First Class Counties and MCC were invited to tender to become a women’s Tier 1 Club, with the vast majority submitting bids. A panel comprising ECB Board members, Executives and independent members considered the bids which were assessed on four criteria:

• Vision and mission – Their passion, ambition and prioritisation.

• Quality cricket – Player development and squad composition plans, coaching and sports science and medicine provision, talent pathway activation and training/match day facilities.

• Passionate fans – Marketing, digital and communications plans, match day experiences and fan facilities.

• Long-term value – Financial investment, commercial strategy, governance, leadership and EDI plans.

First Class Counties who were not awarded Tier 1 status and, separately, National Counties will now be invited to be involved in a process to determine the composition of Tier 2 and Tier 3 in the new-look women’s domestic competition structure. It is anticipated that the outcome of this process will be confirmed by September 2024, ready to launch the evolved women’s domestic structure in full in 2025.

For the duration of the 2025-2028 seasons all three tiers will be ‘closed’, with no promotion or relegation.

The three-tier structure aims to build on the impact of the existing Regional Model, which has accelerated performance levels within women’s cricket and laid solid foundations, to further grow the depth and reach of the women’s professional game.

With thanks to the ECB

The 10 teams competing in the Qualifier have been divided into two groups of five each. The top two from each group will enter the semi-finals with the semi-final winners confirming their trip to Bangladesh.

Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda and the United States of America (USA) feature in Group A, while Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vanuatu and Zimbabwe make up Group B.

Close fight expected between Sri Lanka, Scotland and Thailand in Group A

Sri Lanka will start the tournament as firm favourites. Buoyed by their recent T20I series win in South Africa, the Chamari Athapaththu-led side will be aiming to top Group A on their way to a place in the final. Sri Lanka will be aiming to make the most of the upward curve in their form following the disappointing results in last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa where they finished fourth in Group 1 and ended up competing in the Qualifier for an entry into this year’s main event.

Sri Lanka begin the tournament as the highest ranked team in the ICC Women’s T20 Rankings – seventh. They play Thailand in the tournament opener at the Tolerance Oval on 25 April.

Scotland, currently ranked 14th in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings have been in the UAE for nearly two weeks. In the lead-up to the tournament, they have played 50-over matches against the USA and Papua New Guinea and are set to feature in a Quadrangular T20 tournament with the UAE, Netherlands and USA – weather permitting in Abu Dhabi this week.

Scotland are yet to make an appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup and will be aiming to first secure a semi-final spot from Group A before challenging for the ultimate prize in Abu Dhabi – a ticket to Bangladesh. They open their campaign against Uganda on the opening day of the tournament with a night match at Tolerance Oval.

Thailand will be aiming to return to the pinnacle Women’s T20 event this year after failing to qualify for last year’s edition. The Asian team is currently ranked 12th. Thailand gave Pakistan a real fight in the 2020 edition in Australia (the match was eventually abandoned due to rain, Thailand had scored 150 for three in 20 overs) before defeating them in an Asia Cup fixture in October 2022.

Uganda have entered the Qualifier as one of the two teams from Africa. They are currently ranked 18th and will need to produce some stellar individual and team performances to get past the experienced Group A sides of Sri Lanka, Scotland and Thailand. Uganda have previously defeated Thailand in a T20I while enduring a defeat in their only other T20I against the Asian side. They were also defeated in their only T20I against Scotland to date.

The USA, who have recently gained ODI status, are yet to appear in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup event – currently ranked 23rd in the team rankings. After securing the Americas’ spot in the Qualifier, USA will be aiming to deliver the goods after gaining adequate knowledge of the conditions with their 50-over matches in Dubai.

The team will gain further exposure and insights of the conditions in Abu Dhabi during the quadrangular event in the lead up to the tournament and will also aim to work out their best combinations and strategy in their two warm-up matches against Zimbabwe and Ireland before their tournament opener against Uganda at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on 27 April.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier warm-up fixtures:

Sunday, 21 April

Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Thailand vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Zimbabwe vs USA, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Ireland vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Uganda vs Vanuatu, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Tuesday, 23 April

Uganda vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Sri Lanka vs Vanuatu, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Thailand vs Netherlands, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00

Ireland vs USA, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00

With thanks to the ICC

Wolvaardt, who scored 41 in the first match that ended in a ‘no result’ and 110 not out in the second match, has overtaken Australia’s Ellyse Perry to fifth position. Wolvaardt has been No.1 in the ODI rankings in the past and is presently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings.

Tazmin Brits, who scored 116 and added 94 runs for the opening stand with Wolvaardt in the first match, has gained seven slots to 38th position, while for Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari (up seven places to 48th) and Nilakshi de Silva (up four places to 49th) have moved up the rankings.

In the ODI bowling rankings, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka have moved up a place each to third and seventh positions, respectively. Former Sri Lanka captain Inoka Ranaweera is up one place to 17th while Oshadi Ranasinghe (up 12 places to 34th) and Dilhari (up 10 places to 57th) have moved up after bagging two wickets each in the first match.

Sisters Kathryn Bryce and Sarah Bryce of Scotland have also had major gains in the latest women’s weekly player rankings update that also considers performances in a tri-series in Abu Dhabi featuring Papua New Guinea and the United States of America (USA) apart from Scotland.

Captain Kathryn is up 16 places to 46th position after scoring 73 vs PNG while wicketkeeper-batter Sarah has progressed 80 places to 65th with a score of 84 against the USA. Tanya Ruma of PNG, who scored an unbeaten 80 versus the USA, has galloped 138 places to 85th position.

Off-spinner Sibona Jimmy of PNG has progressed 15 places to 68th position after grabbing three wickets against Scotland and one against the USA. Henao Thomas, Vicky Araa and Isabel Toua, all of PNG, and Abtaha Maqsood of Scotland are others to make notable progress.

For more about the ICC Rankings, please click here.

For the ICC Women’s Championship standings, please click here.

With thanks to the ICC