Top Performers –
1) Smriti Mandhana – The southpaw continued to score big in Kia super league. She played a mind-blowing inning of 72 in just 43 balls with 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. With this innings, Mandhana becomes the top run-scorer of KSL 2019, followed by our own Harmanpreet Kaur. This innings of Mandhana was a treat to watch for cricket lovers which included Style elegant and class written over it. The western storm continues their domination and has confirmed their birth on finals day. Looks like they are unstoppable at the moment.
2) Harmanpreet Kaur – Our Indian skipper played an excellent knock off 50 runs in 37 balls which included 6 boundaries and 2 sixes which helped her team thunder to set a moderate total of 160. She was well supported by young Tahlia McGrath
3) Anya Shrubsole – The senior pro bowled a decent spell of 3 wickets for 36 which helped Storm to restrict thunders for 159.
Match Summary:
As Smriti shines again, Western Storm continued their unbeaten streak in KSL 19 winning 6 out of 6 matches and defeating Thunders by 5 wickets at Chester on Sunday.
On winning the toss, Thunder Skipper Kate Cross decided to bat first on a decent looking pitch which assisted both batters and bowlers. Thunders did not have a great start as proteas all-rounder Luus was out for 4 after scoring a four on the first ball. Following her, it was Brown who departed for a first-ball duck. Then came the star Harmanpreet Kaur scoring 50 saved thunder again by not getting all out below 120. Kaur was excellent with a couple of huge sixes and boundaries. In the end, a couple of cameos by Ecclestone and Cross helped thunder to reach 159. The senior r pro-Anya Shrubsole bowled well for her 3/36 to restrict them below 160
Chasing the target of 160. In form, Rachel priest was good again for her 19, after losing her, Our champion player Mandhana took the responsibilities of chasing. On one side wickets kept on going, she remained cool and calm played like a champion and won the game for Storm. those shots from southpaw were just mind-blowing to watch. Though they lost 5 wickets..they successfully chased with the help of Mandhana.
On the whole, the Western storm continued their winning streak. With 6 wins they confirmed their birth in finals day. On the other side, the story is completely opposite, Thunders are yet to win the match, they are bottom of the table and with both our Indian players scoring Half-centuries, it was a great day for Indian fans too.
Brief score: Thunder 159/8 ( Kaur 50, Shrubsole 3 for 36 ) lost to Storm 160/5 ( Mandhana 72, Sophie 2 for 32 ) by 5 wickets.