Northern Diamonds’ Sterre Kalis and Phoebe Turner starred in a dominant performance against Lancashire Thunder, securing an 86-run victory and propelling their team to the top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy standings.
Kalis notched her maiden List A century, scoring a remarkable 100 runs off 94 deliveries. Her innings, coupled with a 58-run knock from Beth Langston, propelled the Diamonds to a formidable total of 290 for 6.
Lancashire Thunder’s chase got off to a promising start, with Alice Clarke and Emma Lamb putting on 38 runs in the opening five overs. However, Rachel Slater’s double strike, dismissing both batters, halted their momentum.
Eve Jones and Seren Smale steadied the Thunder’s innings, but their 100-run partnership was broken by Turner, who bowled Smale for 48. Langston then struck twice in a double-wicket maiden, removing Jones and Ellie Threlkeld.
Turner continued her impressive spell, claiming the remaining Thunder wickets to finish with a remarkable six for 20. Her performance sealed a five-point victory for the Diamonds, who now sit atop the table with 37 points.
Earlier, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Emma Marlow had laid the foundation for the Diamonds’ innings with a 95-run opening stand. However, the Thunder fought back, taking two wickets in quick succession.
Kalis and Langston then combined for a crucial 111-run partnership, reviving the Diamonds’ innings. Kalis reached her century before being dismissed, while Langston contributed a valuable 58.
The Diamonds’ total proved too much for the Thunder, who were bowled out for 204 despite Jones’ 57 runs.
