The Charlotte Edwards Cup final between the Southern Vipers and The Blaze experienced an unfortunate interruption due to heavy rain, leading to an abandoned match at New Road, Worcester. However, both teams are set to resume the contest on Sunday, making use of the reserve day allocated for such circumstances.
The Southern Vipers, led by the inspiring performance of Anya Shrubsole, had effectively stifled The Blaze’s batting lineup, reducing them to 53 for four in just 9.3 overs. At 4:35 pm, play was halted as lightning was spotted in the vicinity. Subsequently, persistent rain prevented any further play from taking place.
The official decision to abandon the match was made shortly after 6 pm, with the organizers scheduling a return to action on Sunday, although the exact start time remains to be confirmed. The continuation of the match will resume from the halfway point of The Blaze’s innings. However, if the weather prevents any play on Sunday, The Blaze will emerge victorious by virtue of finishing at the top of their group with a perfect win record.
While the reserve day offers an opportunity to complete the final, it brings disappointment for some of the Southern Vipers players who had planned to utilize the short break in the season for a holiday.
Prior to the rain interruption, the Southern Vipers demonstrated their prowess with the ball. Former England fast bowler Anya Shrubsole displayed her skill by dismissing her former international teammate, Tammy Beaumont, lbw with a trademark inswinger on just the third ball of the innings. Continuing her impressive spell, Shrubsole induced Sarah Bryce to mistime her shot, resulting in a catch in the following over. The Blaze found themselves struggling at 19 for two at that stage, and despite the powerplay, they managed to reach only 34 for two.
The spinners, Lauren Smith and Georgia Adams, compounded The Blaze’s batting woes. Smith’s delivery popped off the pitch, leading to Georgie Boyce’s dismissal caught behind, while Adams bowled through the gate to dismiss Kathryn Bryce.
In the earlier Eliminator match against Thunder, the Southern Vipers secured an 18-run victory. Danni Wyatt and Maia Bouchier played crucial roles, both scoring half-centuries, as the Vipers set a target of 191 runs. Thunder’s chase fell short, resulting in the Vipers’ advancement to the final.
