Southern Vipers Spin to Victory over Western Storm in Charlotte Edwards Cup

Southern Vipers emerged victorious in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, defeating Western Storm by 28 runs thanks to a stellar performance from Australian off-spinner Charli Knott.

Knott's exceptional bowling figures of 4 for 23, coupled with the electric wicket-keeping of Rhianna Southby, proved too much for Storm to overcome. Georgia Adams' 48 runs provided the backbone for Vipers' impressive total of 173 for 5, the second-highest score in the competition's history. Georgia Elwiss (45) and Freya Kemp (34) also made significant contributions.

Storm's chase faltered from the outset, with the required run rate quickly spiraling out of control. Despite a valiant effort from Sophie Luff (34*), Storm could only manage 145 for 7, handing Vipers their second win in four matches this season.

Knott's devastating spell began in the seventh over, when she dismissed Georgia Adams with a well-judged catch at long on. She then proceeded to dismantle Storm's middle order, claiming the wickets of Emma Corney, Niamh Holland, and Alex Griffiths. Southby's lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps played a crucial role in Knott's success, with three of her four victims falling to stumpings.

Adams' innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. She found gaps with ease and pushed extra runs to score 48, forming a crucial partnership with Kemp. Kemp's scratchy start gave way to some powerful shots, including four fours and the innings' only six.

Vipers' middle-order, which had cost them matches earlier in the season, showed resilience in the face of wickets. They scrambled runs while losing wickets, reaching 173 but losing Adams and Kemp to Wellington.

Storm's reply was always behind the required rate, and despite Luff's valiant effort, they were unable to keep up with the chase. Wellington and Luff put on 46, but the run-rate had already far outgrown their capabilities. Luff was eventually run out in the penultimate over, and Mollie Robbins holed out to the last delivery, leaving Storm winless in the competition.

Tags: #Cricket, #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #SouthernVipers, #WesternStorm, #CharliKnott