In the fifth match of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 at Worcester, Central Sparks got the better of Northern Diamonds with a seven-wicket victory. Led by their captain, Eve Jones, who shone with the bat, and the outstanding bowling of spinner Georgia Davis, the Sparks gave a dominant performance and handed Diamonds their first defeat of the campaign.
𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝟳 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 😁
We get our first win of the season in our second RHFT game! #SparksWillFly💥 pic.twitter.com/GzrhPeqUPp
— Central Sparks (@CentralSparks) April 29, 2023
Put in to bat, Diamonds got bundled out for a mere 141 in 36.3 overs, courtesy of Davis, who wreaked havoc in Worcester. The spin sensation picked up a dazzling four-wicket haul while conceding only 19 runs in 7.3 overs, including a maiden.
Apart from Davis, Hannah Baker (2/31), Katie George (2/25) and Issy Wong (2/44) all bagged two wickets each. For the Diamonds, opener Lauren Winfield-Hill was the top-scorer with 42 runs from 40 balls, including 7 fours and a six.
In response, the Sparks lost Chloe Brewer early but managed to gun down the target in 38.2 overs, thanks to a scintillating knock by opener and skipper Jones. The left-handed batter smacked 67 from 111 deliveries, featuring 8 boundaries. Abigail Freeborn and Ami Cambell also chipped in with valuable contributions of 37 and unbeaten 30, respectively.
That's it. @CentralSparks have won this one by seven wickets with a little over 11 overs remaining. Eve Jones finishes on 67 not out. We go again at Chelmsford on Monday when we face @Sunriserscrick.#TheNorthernWay 💎
— Northern Diamonds💎 (@North_Diamonds) April 29, 2023
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.