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: Western Storm v Sunrisers
Venue: The Bristol County Ground
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Start time: 10:30am
What’s the lowdown?
Not much is at stake for either side at Bristol as third-from-bottom Western Storm take on winless Sunrisers. Western Storm have form on their side after a Sophie Luff 70 helped them beat Thunder by 62 runs last time around. For Sunrisers, it’s been a pretty torrid campaign, and they’ll be desperate to notch up a win so as not to end the season with zero points.
Who should I watch out for?
Storm’s Sophie Luff comes into the final round of the group stage in great touch. Her last four scores read 70, 65, 34 and 60*, and if she gets her eye in again it will be very tricky for Sunrisers' bowling attack to limit her impact on the game. Dani Gibson is deserving of a mention too. After impressing in The Hundred for London Spirit, she is capable of chipping in with bat and ball, and brings balance to the Vipers’ eleven.
For Sunrisers, Cordelia Griffith has been a beacon of hope. The 25-year-old hit 91 in vain against Vipers last week, after making 69 the week before at the expense of Central Sparks. Her recent performances haven’t deserved to end up on the losing side: Sunrisers will be hoping she can lead them to victory at last.
What’s the team news?
Mady Villiers could return for Sunrisers following her involvement with England’s T20 squad. For Western Storm, Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont miss out through international duty.
Western Storm squad: Fi Morris, Lauren Parfitt, Sophie Luff, Georgia Hennessy, Alex Griffiths, Dani Gibson, Nat Wraith, Nicole Harvey, Chloe Skelton, Claire Nicholas, Lauren Filer
Sunrisers squad: Cordelia Griffith, Grace Scrivens, Lissy MacLeod, Fran Wilson, Naomi Dattani, Kelly Castle, Jo Gardner, Mia Rogers, Sonali Patel, Emily Thorpe, Kate Coppack
What's the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Bristol.
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: A live stream will be available via the Western Storm’s 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 are available to purchase via the Gloucestershire website.
Prediction?
As much as a win would be hugely savoured by the Sunrisers, it seems unlikely. Western Storm have not had the strongest of seasons, winning just twice, but they’re a stronger side than that figure would suggest and will be tough to beat. Storm win.
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