Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the next round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy...
Fixture: Lightning v Central Sparks
Venue: Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Start time: 10:30
What’s the lowdown?
Lightning struggled in their last game, limping to 166 all out in response to Western Storm’s 228 for 7. It was always going to be tough for them after losing key batters Abigail Freeborn and captain Kathryn Bryce for a combined 11 runs. A win could see them move into fourth place, if results elsewhere go their way.
Central Sparks, meanwhile, already have their place in the knockouts guaranteed. They sit in third place, just one point off leaders Northern Diamonds and second placed Southern Vipers. And with the two teams above them playing each other, a win will almost certainly see them move up into second.
Who should I watch out for?
For Lightning, Ella Claridge has had something of a breakthrough year. Included in Lightning’s academy at the start of the season, the 18-year-old found herself added to Trent Rockets’ squad for the inaugural edition of The Hundred.
And while she didn’t take the field for the Rockets, the experience enabled her to learn from the likes of Katherine Brunt, and improve. Since her return to the Lightning set-up, she’s scored 20 and an unbeaten 38 in last week’s match against Western Storm.
With the ball, they boast leading wicket-taker Kirstie Gordon, whose 14 scalps have come at an average of just 13.57.
Central Sparks, meanwhile, lay claim to two of the country’s most exciting bowling talents in Issy Wong and Ria Fackrell. Both have taken 11 wickets from their six games so far, with Wong’s coming at 18.90 a piece, and Fackrell’s just 15.54. In the batting department, Eve Jones will be looking to add to her tally of 230 runs.
What’s the team news?
Lightning will be without Tammy Beaumont, who is on England duty for their ODI series against New Zealand. For Central Sparks, Amy Jones and Sarah Glenn miss out, as their pair are also away with England.
Lightning squad: Sarah Bryce, Bethany Harmer, Kathryn Bryce, Abigail Freeborn, Lucy Higham, Teresa Graves, Ella Claridge, Kirstie Gordon, Sophie Munro, Yvonne Graves, Grace Ballinger, Shachi Pai
Central Sparks squad: Eve Jones, Marie Kelly, Davina Perrin, Gwen Davies, Thea Brookes, Issy Wong, Ria Fackrell, Chloe Hill, Em Arlott, Clare Boycott, Georgia Davis
What's the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Loughborough: Click here
How do I follow the match? TV/stream: A live stream will be available via the Lightning website: Click here
Radio: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry updates of the game.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and reports from every Women's Regional Competition match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our Women's Regional Hub for more.
Going to the game?
Tickets
Tickets are free, and can be obtained by registering here.
Prediction?
Central Sparks are favourites, having enjoyed a strong campaign thus far to see them into the knockout stages of the competition. Lightning are a good side, but it will be tough to beat the Sparks. Central Sparks win.
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