Charlotte Edwards Cup 2024 roundup: Sparks win thriller, Charlie Dean inspires the Vipers

The Cricketer reviews the best of the action from the latest round of the T20 competition in 2024

ECB Reporters Network | 14/06/2024 at 18:56

Edgbaston: Sparks 150-2, Thunder 146-6 - Sparks won by eight wickets

Central Sparks sealed their Charlotte Edwards Cup qualification with a thrilling last-ball eight-wicket victory over Thunder at Edgbaston.

Thunder managed a solid 146 for six thanks to a high-class maiden T20 half-century by Seren Smale who struck an unbeaten 88 from 61 balls.

The 19-year-old reached the crease with Thunder in a tangle at three for two but rescued them with a polished innings that included nine fours while Grace Potts (2 for 18) led the Sparks bowling effort.

Sparks then started slowly but from 22 for two were powered to victory by an unbroken third -wicket stand of 128 between Abi Freeborn (71 off 57) and Amy Jones (67 off 45). Jones struck the last two balls of the 20th over for four to kill off Thunder's challenge both in this game and the quest for qualification.

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^{Grace Potts was the pick of the Sparks bowling with 2 for 18 (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

Utilita Bowl: Vipers 146-5 v Diamonds 145-4 - Southern Vipers won by 5 wickets

Charlie Dean produced a scholarly smash and grab to ensure Southern Vipers beat the Northern Diamonds and qualify for the Charlotte Edwards Cup finals day.

Dean strode to the wicket with Vipers in trouble at 29 for 4 chasing 146 and showcased a masterclass of attacking batting to score 64 off 38.

Birthday girl Hollie Armitage's classy 69 had provided the glue for a solid Diamonds total of 145, the loss today means their qualification hopes are over.

Dean's highest score for the Vipers saw her side over the line to win by five wickets and make it five victories this season for the defending champions.

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