Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy roundup: Defeat to Central Sparks leaves The Blaze on the brink

The Cricketer reviews the best of the action from the start of the final round of matches in the 50-over competition in 2024

ECB Reporters Network | 06/09/2024 at 17:05

Chesterfield: The Blaze 166, Central Sparks 170-5 - Central Sparks won by five wickets

The Blaze face an anxious 24 hours to learn if their dream of landing the domestic double remains alive after slipping to a five-wicket defeat to Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Chesterfield.

The result leaves the Charlotte Edwards Cup holders fourth in the table with one hand on a semi-final place but just a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Sunrisers, who complete their 14-match league programme on Saturday. Sunrisers travel to Southern Vipers, who are the defending champions but have lost their last three.

On a track that yielded runs only sparingly, The Blaze were restricted to 166 after being asked to bat first. Michaela Kirk top scored with a season's-best 36, backed up by Kathryn Bryce's 33, sharing a 63-run partnership for the second wicket.

Seamer Grace Potts led the Sparks' bowling effort with a List A-best three for 38 with Charis Pavely, Emily Arlott and Hannah Hardwick taking two wickets each, before Katie George anchored their winning reply with an unbeaten 57 off 90 balls, with five fours.

The Blaze head coach Chris Guest said: "We had a few players missing today but then everyone has. We had a side on the park that was more than capable of winning the game, so we're disappointed.

"We're pleased to still be in the mix at this stage of the season after losing four of our first five games but disappointed because we had it in our hands to win today and be certain of qualifying."

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