Sunrisers have secured their place in the knockout stages of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for the first time, defeating defending champions Southern Vipers in a thrilling rain-affected encounter.
After failing to win a single match in the first three editions of the competition, Sunrisers narrowly missed out on qualification last year. However, this season, they have emerged as a formidable force, with their seventh victory of the tournament coming against the holders.
Cordelia Griffith and Lissy MacLeod laid the foundation for Sunrisers’ impressive total of 281, scoring half-centuries. Former Sunriser Naomi Dattani claimed a maiden five-wicket haul for Vipers, but her efforts were not enough to prevent Sunrisers from posting a challenging target.
In response, Vipers were restricted to 88 for 8 in their 10-over chase of 94 under the DLS method. Despite a winless Hundred campaign, Vipers had already secured a semi-final berth but their hopes of a home tie were dashed by South East Stars’ victory over Northern Diamonds.
Dattani’s bowling spells proved pivotal for Vipers, as she dismissed key Sunrisers batters Grace Scrivens and Jo Gardner. Her return to the attack also saw Jodi Grewcock and Eva Grey depart, while Rebecca Tyson and Ava Lee’s tight spin kept the run rate in check.
However, MacLeod and Flo Miller counterattacked with an enterprising 90-run partnership, with MacLeod reaching her first RHFT fifty since 2021. Miller also contributed a valuable 41 off 31 balls.
In the final overs, Vipers fought back with wickets, but Sunrisers managed to post a competitive total of 281. Rain intervened during the interval, reducing Vipers’ innings to just 10 overs.
Despite the challenging target, Vipers started brightly, but wickets fell regularly, including those of Rhianna Southby, Ella McCaughan, and Dattani. Emily Windsor and Nancy Harman kept Vipers in the hunt with a 26-run stand, but their dismissals and a run out left Vipers needing 13 off the last over. They could only muster seven, handing Sunrisers a memorable victory.
