Southern Vipers and The Blaze will go head-to-head in the Final of the 4th edition of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT). The match is scheduled for the 24th of September, 2023, at the County Ground, Northampton, and commences at 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
It was an eventful season for both the Vipers and the Blaze, with both teams finishing their 14 league games strongly, each securing 7 wins, enduring 4 defeats, and accumulating a total of 38 points. As the top-ranked team, the Southern Vipers secured a direct path to the Final, while the Blaze handed an upset to the South East Stars in the playoff en route to the Final.
Squads:
Southern Vipers – Georgia Adams, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Georgia Elwiss, Nancy Harman, Chloe Hill, Freya Kemp, Ella McCaughan, Sophie Mitchelmore, Alice Monaghan, Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Charlotte Taylor, Mary Taylor, Finty Trussler, Emily Windsor, Danni Wyatt
The Blaze – Kathryn Bryce, Grace Ballinger, Tammy Beaumont, Georgie Boyce, Sarah Bryce, Ella Claridge, Sarah Glenn, Kirstie Gordon, Teresa Graves, Josie Groves, Beth Harmer, Lucy Higham, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Cassidy McCarthy, Sophie Munro, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lizelle Lee
Players to watch out:
Emily Windsor
The 26-year-old batter has had an impressive run this RHFT season, averaging 39.00. Emily has scored 351 runs from 10 innings, including the highest of 84, and in her last 3 outings, she has notched up a couple of fifties. It will be crucial for someone to play an anchor’s role on this wicket, and the Vipers will bank on Emily to play the role and register another good score.
Mary Taylor
The 18-year-old bowling all-rounder has impressed in the 3rd and final leg of the RHFT. This season, Mary, in 10 outings for the Vipers, has taken 13 wickets and has also been handy with the bat, chipping in with 40 runs from 8 innings. Mary, in her previous 3 outings, has picked up 8 wickets, and she’ll undoubtedly be high on confidence to produce another match-winning spell.
Tammy Beaumont
The 32-year-old keeper-batter, in 100 One-Day Internationals, has piled on 3650 runs, averaging 40.10. Tammy has been in scintillating form this summer, scoring big runs in every tournament and series she has been a part of. She has made only 6 RHFT appearances this season; however, averaging 48.20, she has racked up 241 runs, including the highest of 83*.
Grace Ballinger
The 24-year-old left-arm pacer with the ball in hand can set up the game really well upfront in favor of The Blaze. Grace, in her previous 4 outings, has picked up 10 wickets, including a couple of four-fers. Overall, this season, in 12 outings, Grace has produced 18 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.38, and is the 4th highest wicket-taker.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at County Ground, Northampton, offers a balanced playing surface, yet slightly favors the bowlers. While it is conducive for batting, the average score of 171 suggests the assistance that bowlers, particularly pacers, can expect from this wicket.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket at County Ground, Northampton, with no expected rain interruptions and mostly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 19°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 83%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sarah Bryce, Tammy Beaumont, Emily Windsor, Maia Bouchier, Georgia Adams, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Kathryn Bryce, Linsey Smith, Kirstie Gordon, Sophie Munro, Grace Ballinger
Match details:
Date – September 24, 2023
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Northampton
Broadcast – A YouTube live-stream link for the game will be made available.