Preview: Central Sparks vs Sunrisers (Charlotte Edwards Cup)
Central Sparks return to action after 11 days out as the Charlotte Edwards Cup begins, in a game that’ll be the first played at Worcestershire’s New Road in 2024.
Match Details:
Game: Central Sparks vs Sunrisers
Venue: New Road, Worcester
Competition: Charlotte Edwards Cup
Game start: 2:30pm
The T20’s have arrived with the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Sparks will return to action off the back of a win in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy when the side were last in action at Emirates Old Trafford where they came out on top against Lancashire Thunder.
Since that game in Manchester on Wednesday 8 May, Sparks took part in two warm-up T20 fixtures against Sunday’s opponents and the South East Stars, and won both matches comprehensively.
With some impressive individual performances so far this season, Hannah Baker sits fourth in the wicket taking standings after six games of the RHFT, while Eve Jones topped her run-scoring record in a List-A game by hitting an unbeaten (136*) against Thunder.
In a run that wasn’t always easy, Sparks closed the first block of 50 over games strongly, heading into the T20’s with a fresh mindset, looking to get a win at home for the first time since the opening game of the season.
The Opposition:
Sunrisers enter the Charlotte Edwards Cup in high spirits sitting atop of the RHFT table, defeating Sparks at Kidderminster along the way. The team, led by captain Grace Scrivens have been turning up for one another in the early parts of the season and have some dangers Sparks should be aware of.
As well as Scrivens, overseas bowler Nicola Hancock is in fine form. Both played well when the sides last met. Sunrisers have played with perseverance to overcome challenges from the likes of Southern Vipers and the Stars so far this season. Having finished bottom of the CEC table last year, Andy Tennant’s team know they need to start the T20’s like they have the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Past Meeting:
As mentioned, Sunrisers won the last game between the two sides, however the latest meeting in this competition was a victory for the Sparks in Chelmsford by 23 runs.
The game, a floodlit Thursday night fixture was a clinic by Sparks whose bowling attack took apart the hosts that day. Em Arlott & Grace Potts finished with figures of (4-23) & (2-13) respectively, while Amy Jones struck an impressive (51).
Team News:
Sparks will have a full playing squad to pick from, with team news available later on Saturday.
How to watch:
The game will be played at New Road, with tickets priced at £5 for adults, or free for Worcestershire members. Alternatively, you can watch the game online via our YouTube channel.
Comments