Southern Vipers secure victory over Thunder to rise in the standings of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy

Spinner Linsey Smith Disrupts Thunder’s Top Order as Southern Vipers Secure Victory

In a stunning display of bowling prowess, spinner Linsey Smith wreaked havoc on the Thunder’s top order, leading the Southern Vipers to a resounding win and boosting their chances for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy play-offs. The Thunder found themselves reeling at 33-5 after Smith’s three-wicket burst, ultimately being dismissed for 173.

The Vipers’ Georgia Adams anchored their innings with an impressive 71 runs off just 70 balls. She formed a crucial partnership with Emily Windsor, who contributed 59 runs. Together, they stitched together a century stand that propelled the team to a total of 237 all out.

Despite Fi Morris’ valiant knock of 52 runs for the Thunder, last year’s runners-up comfortably secured victory by a margin of 64 runs and climbed up to second place in the tournament standings.

Vipers’ Strong Start Sets Them Up for Success

Winning the toss and electing to bat first at Arundel, the Vipers’ opening pair – Ella McCaughan and Abi Norgrove – got off to an impressive start, putting on a solid partnership of 45 runs before both fell victim to left-arm bowler Hannah Jones (who also executed an exceptional run-out by catching Georgia Elwiss backing up).

Adams, showcasing her remarkable form throughout the tournament, along with Windsor appeared to have put the Vipers in an advantageous position with a partnership of 114 runs from 112 balls. This propelled them to a score of 193-3 with 12 overs remaining.

A Collapse Overshadowed by Thunder’s Spirited Fightback

Nevertheless, Thunder off-spinners Fi Morris (3-52) and Olivia Bell (3-45) orchestrated a remarkable collapse for the Vipers. Adams and Windsor departed in successive overs, triggering the fall of seven quick wickets for just 44 runs. The Vipers were ultimately bowled out with 2.1 overs still unused.