Sunrisers’ Mady Villiers’ spin wizardry proved too much for The Blaze as they cruised to a seven-wicket victory in a rain-shortened encounter at Chelmsford.
The former England white-ball international spun her magic, claiming 3 for 18 from nine overs, as The Blaze, missing several key players, were dismissed for a paltry 87 in a game reduced to 42 overs per side.
England U19 Jodi Grewcock complemented Villiers’ efforts with 1 for 7 from eight overs, leaving The Blaze reeling at 52 for 6 after losing four wickets for four runs. Australian seamer Nicola Hancock then polished off the tail with 3 for 20.
Sunrisers faced some early setbacks in their chase, but skipper Grace Scrivens’ unbeaten 46 guided them to victory in the 21st over. Villiers fittingly sealed the win with the winning runs.
The match was delayed due to overnight and morning rain, and the overcast conditions and grassy pitch favored the bowlers. Scrivens’ decision to field first proved astute as The Blaze struggled to cope with the spin duo of Villiers and Grewcock.
Marie Kelly, who was dropped early on, was dismissed by Hancock, while Teresa Graves fell to Kate Coppack. Daisy Mullan and Nadine de Klerk briefly threatened a fightback, but Villiers and Grewcock’s introduction proved decisive.
Villiers trapped de Klerk in front and bowled Mullan, while Grewcock dismissed Ella Claridge. Sarah Glenn’s wicket gave Villiers her third scalp, and The Blaze’s recovery hopes were dashed as Hancock and Coppack cleaned up the tail.
Sunrisers, who had been bowled out for 150 in a heavy defeat to Thunder three days earlier, initially struggled in their chase. Ariana Dowse was dismissed by Grace Ballinger, and Cordelia Griffith was run out in a mix-up with Scrivens.
However, Scrivens and Grewcock steadied the ship with a 40-run stand, and although Grewcock departed before the end, Sunrisers cruised to victory, with Villiers hitting the winning runs.
