Sunrisers Stun Southern Vipers in Charlotte Edwards Cup Thriller

Sunrisers emerged victorious in their Charlotte Edwards Cup clash against defending champions Southern Vipers, securing a thrilling three-run triumph at Arundel. The victory marked Sunrisers' first in the competition since 2021.

Chasing a modest target of 135, Vipers appeared to be cruising towards victory after Australian opener Charli Knott's impressive 41-ball fifty. However, Sunrisers' disciplined bowling and aggressive fielding proved to be the difference-makers.

Sophie Munro led the Sunrisers' bowling attack with a superb spell of 4 for 27, while Knott's all-round performance included three wickets. The Vipers' chase faltered as they struggled to maintain the required run rate, despite Knott's early heroics.

With 32 runs needed from the final three overs, the match remained in the balance. However, the dismissals of key players Georgia Adams and Freya Davies, followed by Elwiss's departure, put pressure on the Vipers.

Emily Windsor's stumping off the last ball of the 18th over left Vipers needing 22 off two. Alice Monaghan's dismissal at the end of the 19th over made the task even more daunting, with 12 runs required from the final over.

Earlier, Sunrisers had posted a solid 134 for 5, thanks to a 41-run opening partnership between Grace Scrivens and Joanne Gardner. Gardner's 39-ball 42 included a towering six, but her dismissal triggered a collapse as Vipers took three wickets in quick succession.

Knott's impressive fielding and bowling played a crucial role in Vipers' resurgence, but Sunrisers' resilience and determination ultimately proved too much for the defending champions.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #Sunrisers, #SouthernVipers, #Cricket, #Women'sCricket