The first semi-final of the ongoing Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup will feature a face-off between The Blaze and Central Sparks at the County Ground, Derby, on the 22nd of June 2024, at 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
With 9 wins from 10 games, The Blaze have the upper hand heading into the semi-final against the Sparks, who have 6 wins and 4 losses from 10 games. In their head-to-head matches this season, The Blaze secured a 10-run win by defending 134 runs and later chased down 138 runs in a final-over thriller, winning by 5 wickets.
Squads:
The Blaze – Bethan Gammon, Bethany Harmer, Georgie Boyce, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Tammy Beaumont, Kathryn Bryce, Kirstie Gordon, Heather Graham, Teresa Graves, Ella Claridge, Sarah Bryce, Cassidy McCarthy, Grace Ballinger, Josie Groves, Lucy Higham, Sarah Glenn
Central Sparks – Eve Jones, Emily Arlott, Chloe Brewer, Hannah Baker, Ami Campbell, Georgia Davis, Bethan Ellis, Abbey Freeborn, Ria Fackrell, Katie George, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Amy Jones, Grace Potts, Courtney Webb
Players to watch out:
Kathryn Bryce
The 26-year-old all-rounder has made 10 appearances in the 2024 CE Cup this summer, accumulating 372 runs at a strike rate of 118.47, and has also taken 9 wickets at an economy rate of 7.28, with bests being 61 runs and 2/16. Kathryn has scored two fifties in her last four outings, and although she has only managed a couple of wickets with the ball, she has maintained good economy. It is hoped that she will return to taking wickets while continuing her strong batting form.
Kristie Gordon
The 26-year-old off-spinner, averaging 11.73 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.69, has scalped 19 wickets from 10 CE Cup games this edition, with a best of 5/25. Kristie has had another impactful season, being effective and economical throughout, and previous five bowling figures read 1/23, 1/31, 2/32, 0/24, and 2/14. She can be relied upon for breakthroughs and also a few runs as well.
Amy Jones
The 31-year-old keeper-batter from 85 Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) has amassed 1481 runs, including the highest of 89, at a strike rate of 122.70. Following a successful campaign with the national team, Jones linked up with the Sparks in their previous 4 games and has registered scores of 39, 67*, 26, and 36. She is a seasoned batter and will be relied upon to produce another good knock, continuing the momentum.
Emily Arlott
The 26-year-old pacer from 9 outings in the 2024 CE Cup has picked up 14 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.92 and in a recent outing rewrote her season best to 4/21. Emily has had a fairly consistent season, as evidenced by her previous 5 bowling figures of 2/23, 1/24, 4/21, 0/27, and 1/22. She has been in good rhythm with the ball, has also contributed with the bat, and will be relied upon to deliver the goods.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Derby County Ground heavily favors the pacers, creating ideal conditions for bowling, as evident from a modest average score. However, batters, once settled in and finding their rhythm, can accumulate runs effectively.
Weather:
With partly cloudy skies and a very low chance of rain, it will be a good day to be at the County Ground, Derby. The temperature is expected to hover around 18°C, with light winds and humidity at 66%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sarah Bryce, Amy Jones, Davina Perrin, Kathryn Bryce, Katie George, Emily Arlott, Heather Graham, Charis Pavely, Kirstie Gordon, Grace Potts, Grace Ballinger
Match details:
Date – June 22, 2024
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Derby
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.