The eventual top three of the 2019 Kia Super League has been decided and the last round-robin match for each team will be a mere formality. Western Storm has ended up topping the table winning 9 out of the 10 matches that they have played securing 39 points. Loughborough Lightning is in second place, winning 7 of their 10 matches to notch up 32 points while Southern Vipers round up the top three with 4 wins from their 10 matches and securing 22 points.
This means that the three teams – Western Storm, Loughborough Lightning, and Southern Vipers – will battle it out to be the last winners of the trophy (The women’s edition of The Hundred is scheduled to replace the Kia Super League next year onwards). Western Storm will directly qualify for the finals and will play against the winners of the semi-finals between Loughborough Lightning and Southern Vipers after their match. Both these matches will take place at Hove on 1st September 2019.
The tournament has already seen players in top form, performing consistently and winning games for their side. In this article, we look at the players from Loughborough Lightning who are expected to make or break the fortunes of their side on Finals Day.
SOUTHERN VIPERS – 4 PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Danielle Wyatt: Southern Vipers have been well-served by the veteran English limited-overs cricketer, Danielle Wyatt. She is second only to Yorkshire’s Jemimah Rodrigues in the run charts scoring 362 runs in 9 outings this year for Southern Vipers. Hitting as many as 14 sixes, she has a wonderful strike rate of 163.80 and a batting average of over 40 per innings. She has scored a century along with 3 half-centuries this season. In the match against Surrey Stars, she smashed 110 off only 60 balls hitting 9 fours and 7 sixes, lifting her side to a challenging total of 178/5 in 20 overs which they ended up winning handsomely. Needless to say, if Loughborough Lightning is to prevent Western Storm from advancing further, they will need to get her out cheaply as she is capable of scoring big.
Stafanie Taylor: The explosive West Indian all-rounder, has been instrumental in Vipers’ success – both with bat and ball. She may have scored just 205 runs but it should be noted that she has played just 6 matches so far. With an average of over 40 and a strike rate nearing 135, she remains a potent threat for any opposition. She has scored only one half-century and a couple of scores in 40s but all remain valuable innings for the Vipers, helping them overhaul challenging targets. She has also been a useful bowler for her side taking 8 wickets with the best bowling analysis of 3 wickets for 11 runs against Surrey Stars.
Tash Farrant: The English left-arm bowler has picked up 12 wickets this season. She is currently ranked second in the wicket-takers’ tally and the best bowler among her side. She has conceded under 15 runs per wicket and has an impressive strike rate of 13.3. She has picked up 2 three-fors with the best analysis of 3 wickets for 18 runs against Lancashire Thunder. She also picked up 3/23 against Western Storm. Her bowling in the first few overs may be instrumental in deciding her side’s fortunes come Sunday.
Amanda Jade-Wellington: This upcoming Australian spinner has had a very good stint with Southern Vipers this year picking up 11 wickets in 9 matches with a bowling average of just over 20. She has been consistent in picking up wickets and has the best bowling figures of 3 wickets for 22 runs against Lancashire Thunder.
It will be very exciting to watch such talented youngsters performing for their franchises in what promises to be a great evening on Sunday. As we close curtains on the Kia Super League, this season has definitely helped in uncovering talents that may perform very well for their country in the near future.
Do join us on FemaleCricket to stay updated on the Finals Day of Kia Super League 2019.
