Paige Scholfield's Career-Best 73 Powers South East Stars to Five-Wicket Win

Paige Scholfield's scintillating unbeaten 73 propelled South East Stars to a commanding five-wicket victory over Lancashire Thunder in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. The South African all-rounder's career-best T20 knock, studded with 12 fours and a six, guided the hosts to a comfortable chase of 140 with four overs to spare.

Thunder's innings got off to a blistering start thanks to Fi Morris' belligerent 41, which included eight boundaries. However, the visitors lost their way after Morris' dismissal, with Tash Farrant's economical spell of 2 for 17 proving pivotal. Emma Lamb's 36 and Georgie Smale's 37 were the only other notable contributions for Thunder.

Stars' chase began with a setback as Bryony Smith was caught behind off Tara Norris. Sophia Dunkley and Farrant also departed cheaply, leaving the hosts in a spot of bother at 25 for 3. But Scholfield and Alice Davidson-Richards steadied the ship with a crucial 67-run partnership.

Davidson-Richards, who struck a six and three fours, fell for 32, but Scholfield continued to dominate. She found an able ally in Aylish Cranstone, who contributed 24, as the pair added 48 for the fourth wicket.

Scholfield reached her half-century in just 32 balls and accelerated thereafter. She smashed a six and two fours off Liberty Heap to bring up the winning runs and seal a comprehensive victory for Stars.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #SouthEastStars, #LancashireThunder, #PaigeScholfield, #T20Cricket