Preview: Central Sparks vs Southern Vipers (Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy)
Match Details:
Game - Central Sparks vs Southern Vipers
Competition - Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Venue - Visit Worcestershire New Road
Date - Friday 30 August 2024
Game start - 10:30am
Central Sparks head into their penultimate home game of the 2024 season off the back of a win in Taunton over Western Storm. The defeat of the West County side came by 145 runs and included a seventh career List-A century from Eve Jones (130) and career best bowling figures from Georgia Davis (6-23).
The side returned to action from The Hundred full of confidence, writing the wrongs of their recent loss at the hands of Storm, which sent them into The Hundred break off the back of four games without a win.
With Friday's game the final ever home game Sparks will play at Worcestershire's New Road, it is set to be an emotional affair, as Sparks look to continue their hopeful strong end to the campaign.
Sparks sit seventh in the RHFT standings, but can put pressure on Lancashire Thunder, currently in sixth position.
The Opponents:
Southern Vipers head to the West Midlands having lost on their return to action, however before that, won three of their last four, with one wash out fixture.
Occupying top spot in the 50 over competition, Vipers will hope to extend their lead as they look to confirm a spot in the play-offs.
West Midlands-born Georgia Elwiss, Vipers' leading run-scorer in this competiton who currently sits second in the overall rankings (347) will be hoping to help the Southampton-based side to their eighth win in the tournament so far this year.
Like Sparks, Vipers have give opportunities in this competition to academy players such as Ava Lee and Meg Sturge. Captain Georgia Adams has been an ever-present for Charlotte Edwards' side and will hope to be at the forefront in Friday's game.
Past Meetings:
When these two teams face each other, it's usually a spectacle. The latest outing was a win for Sparks by five wickets in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, while Vipers won the first 50 over meeting back in April at Wormsley Cricket Club.
Sparks had a good time against Vipers in 2023, winning two of three meetings and the last victory over Friday's visitors in this form of the game was at Hove in May last year where former overseas player Erin Burns and Amy Jones starred in a six-wicket win.
Team News:
Sparks have a fully fit squad to pick from, with academy duo Meg Austin and Hannah Hardwick included in the team for the second consecutive game. Stars of Bank Holiday Monday Davis and Jones involved, while Ria Fackrell is also added.
How to Watch:
The game, hosted at Visit Worcestershire New Road, is due to start at 10:30am with tickets on sale here. Alternatively, you can watch the game via our dedicated live stream which you can find on our YouTube channel.
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