The Cricketer reviews the best of the action from the latest round of the T20 competition in 2024
Leicester: Western Storm 99, The Blaze 103-3 - The Blaze win by seven wickets
Australian allrounder Heather Graham took 4 for 10 on her debut for The Blaze as the East Midlands side continued to sweep aside all-comers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, beating Western Storm by seven wickets at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester.
Graham, who has replaced South Africa's Nadine De Klerk in the Blaze lineup with the latter on international duty, led an impressive bowling display from the home side, backed up by off-spinner Lucy Higham (2 for 18) and left-arm strike bowler Grace Ballinger (1 for 17) as Storm were dismissed for 99, England skipper Heather Knight top-scoring with 20 on her first appearance in this season's competition.
The Blaze knocked off their 100-run target with 35 balls to spare thanks in the main to Scottish internationals Kathryn Bryce (46) and sister Sarah (37 not out), with Graham capping her afternoon by hitting the winning boundary.
Led by Kirstie Gordon, The Blaze, whose only defeat in last season's competition was against Southern Vipers in the final, now have six wins from six in the expanded 2024 edition and top the points table ahead of South East Stars, keeping them firmly on track for a return to finals day at Derby on June 22.
The Blaze hammered Western Storm (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Old Trafford: Thunder 85, Southern Vipers 86-3 - Southern Vipers win by seven wickets
Australian allrounder Charli Knott starred with ball and then bat as defending champions Southern Vipers put Lancashire Thunder in a spin at Emirates Old Trafford en route to a crucial seven-wicket victory in the race for Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day later this month.
Vipers bowled their hosts out for just 85 in 19.5 overs as spinners Linsey Smith and Knott returned 3 for 9 and 3 for 15 from their excellent four-over spells.
That virtually settled a clash between a Thunder side who started the day fourth in the table, one point ahead of Vipers in fifth. After impressing with her off-spinners, Knott opened the batting for the Vipers and dominated their chase with 45 off 28 balls.
Vipers won with 55 balls remaining. No side in CE Cup history has ever claimed a quicker victory.
Vipers, champions in 2022 and 2023, continued their dominance over Thunder in the regional era and won this one with a bonus point, claiming the maximum five points available for their third win in six games. Thunder have now won two and lost four. Both have four group games left.
Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member
Women's Regional Hub
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Charlotte Edwards Cup
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.