Northern Diamonds end losing streak with victory over Central Sparks

Northern Diamonds finally broke their losing streak in the Charlotte Edwards Cup with a hard-fought 13-run victory over Central Sparks at Edgbaston. The Diamonds, who had lost their first five games, defended a modest total of 137 for 7 to hand Sparks their third consecutive defeat.

The Diamonds' innings was a tale of two halves. Hollie Armitage (62 off 49 balls) and Sterre Kalis (43 off 39) put on a 97-run partnership, the second-highest ever for the Diamonds in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. However, the rest of the batting order collapsed, losing six wickets for 17 runs in 25 balls.

Sparks' reply was led by England star Amy Jones, who made 39 off 30 balls. However, the Diamonds bowlers kept the pressure on, with all six bowlers taking wickets. Katherine Fraser was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-0-12-1.

The win was a much-needed boost for the Diamonds, who had struggled for form in the early stages of the tournament. It also ended Sparks' winning streak and kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #NorthernDiamonds, #CentralSparks, #HollieArmitage, #SterreKalis