Central Sparks are set to face the Sunrisers away from home in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Off the back of a narrow loss to The Blaze, a win is needed for Lloyd Tennant’s team to strengthen their grip on a semi-final spot.
OVERVIEW
Fixture: Sunrisers vs Central Sparks
Competition: Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Date: Sunday 10th September 2023
Game start: 10:30am
Venue: CloudFM County Ground, Chelmsford
Central Sparks
The Sparks come into this game against the Sunrisers having lost their returning game since the RHFT’s resumption. The Blaze was the team to hand that defeat to Tennant’s side, but the Sparks were not far off from winning the game. That loss is their third in the competition so far, despite this the team are still in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals and Sparks have a big chance to bounce back this weekend.
The Sparks had some good performers in their game on Tuesday, both Bethan Ellis and Katie George scored half-centuries, while Hannah Baker & Georgia Davis took two wickets each in a bowling spell which showed off the potent spinning attack the Sparks have.
With two regular 50 over games left once the Sparks have travelled to Chelmsford, they will have a clearer understanding of their semi-final fate.
Sunrisers
The Sunrisers returned to action with a win away from home over Western Storm, in a game that was ran quite closely. Even with the loss of overseas star Dane Van Niekerk who has returned to South Africa due to injury, the Sunrisers are aiming to end their 2023 season on a high.
England youngster Grace Scrivens in line to play. Scrivens has recently signed a contract extension for Sunrisers, so the hosts will give her a big role in the team to face the Sparks.
Head-to-Head
The two sides haven’t faced each other in this format so far this season, with the Sparks’ home fixture being abandoned due to the weather back in July. In the T20 game, Sparks won in Chelmsford by 25 runs which was the 20 overs opener.
Player to watch
Sunrisers’ Eva Gray is the player to watch for the hosts, the 23-year-old bowler is part of Sunrisers’ seam attack with Kate Coppack and Kelly Castle. Gray was part of the Oval Invincibles in this year’s hundred and plays her county cricket for Surrey. She prides herself on being a tricky seamer, and she will hope to break open the Sparks this Sunday.
Ticketing information
Tickets for the game are available to purchase through Essex County Cricket Club, and you can follow the Sparks on the road here!