Tash Farrant’s remarkable return to cricket propelled South East Stars to a thrilling four-wicket victory over defending champions Southern Vipers in the opening match of the 2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Farrant, who had been sidelined for nearly two years with stress fractures of the back, made a career-best 94, sharing a record-breaking 165-run stand with skipper Bryony Smith. The hosts chased down Vipers’ competitive total of 273 with just three balls to spare.
Vipers got off to a solid start with an 80-run opening partnership between Ella McCaughan and Charli Knott. However, Ryana MacDonald-Gay broke the stand with a stunning catch to dismiss Knott. Georgia Elwiss and Freya Kemp kept the scoreboard ticking, but Bethan Miles and Sophia Dunkley picked up crucial wickets to restrict Vipers to 273.
In reply, Farrant and Smith dominated the Stars’ innings, putting on a century partnership before Smith was dismissed for 64. Farrant continued to impress, reaching 94 before being trapped lbw by Knott.
Dunkley’s composed unbeaten 48 guided Stars home amid rising tension. The England batter hit the winning runs with a scrambled leg bye in the final over.
Knott was the standout performer for Vipers, taking 2 for 35 and keeping the Stars’ batters in check. However, Farrant’s brilliance and Dunkley’s composure proved too much for the reigning champions.
