Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the next round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy...
Fixture: Southern Vipers v Northern Diamonds
Venue: The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Start time: 10:30am
What’s the lowdown?
Both sides have already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition. In fact, they’re level on points at the top of the table, though Diamonds are currently in first place on account of their superior net run rate. The winner will finish the group stage top, earning them automatic qualification for the final, while the loser could potentially slip into third place, meaning their route to the final would take a detour via the qualifier.
Vipers come into the last game of the group stage having scraped past bottom-placed Sunrisers by one run in a high-scoring affair that saw the two sides rack up 617 runs between them.
The Diamonds, meanwhile, comfortably saw off the Thunder to win their most recent match by 105 runs.
Who should I watch out for?
For Vipers, Georgia Elwiss stands out. Her performance against Sunrisers was nothing short of dominant, smashing 112 in the first innings before sealing the deal with the ball at the death. She will certainly have a big role to play, as will Georgia Adams, who struck 50 last time around.
Diamonds seamer Beth Langston is another all-round contributor to keep an eye on. Against local rivals Thunder, Langston walloped 58 from just 30 balls coming in at No.8, before delivering seven overs for just 12 runs, including three maidens. Diamonds will be hoping she can replicate some of that magic and help secure a place in the final.
What’s the team news?
Southern Vipers will be without Danni Wyatt and Charlie Dean, with the duo included in England’s ODI squad to take on New Zealand. For Northern Diamonds, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Kate Cross miss out for the same reason.
Northern Diamonds squad: Hollie Armitage, Sterre Kalis, Leah Dobson, Bess Heath, Beth Langston, Linsey Smith, Phoebe Graham, Ella Telford, Ami Campbell, Rachel Hopkins
Southern Vipers squad: Georgia Adams, Ella McCaughan, Maia Bouchier, Georgia Elwiss, Gaby Lewis, Paige Scholfield, Emily Windsor, Tara Norris, Carla Rudd, Lauren Bell, Charlotte Taylor
What's the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Southampton.
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: A live stream will be available via the Vipers’ website.
Radio: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry updates of the game.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and reports from every Women's Regional Competition match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our Women's Regional Hub for more.
Going to the game?
Tickets
Tickets start from £3 and are available from the Ageas Bowl’s website.
Prediction?
The strongest sides in the competition, it’s a tough one to call. But the Vipers perhaps slightly take the edge on paper, thanks to standout Hundred performers Maia Bouchier and Lauren Bell. Vipers to win – just.
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