Cricket

Western Storm's Chloe Skelton emerged as the hero at Radlett, propelling her team to a crucial 30-run victory over Sunrisers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Skelton's exceptional five-wicket haul (5-29) proved instrumental in dismantling the Sunrisers' batting lineup, dealing a significant blow to their semi-final aspirations.The visitors, Western Storm, were initially put on the back foot by Sunrisers' bowlers. However, Amanda-Jade Wellington's counter-attacking 45 not out, supported by Skelton's valuable contribution, lifted Storm to a competitive total of 180.Sunrisers' chase began promisingly, with Cordelia Griffith (39) and Alice Macleod (48) establishing a solid partnership. However, Skelton's introduction turned the tide in Storm's favor. Her off-spin wizardry proved too much for the home side, as she claimed five wickets, including the crucial scalp of Macleod.Macleod's dismissal, courtesy of a stunning one-handed catch by Alex Griffiths, proved to be a pivotal moment. Storm's spinners, led by Skelton, tightened their grip on the game, restricting Sunrisers' scoring and eventually securing the victory with 10.3 overs to spare.This triumph marked Western Storm's fourth win of the competition, while Sunrisers' hopes of reaching the knockout stage now hinge on their final fixture against Southern Vipers.

Western Storm emerged victorious in a dominant display against Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, securing a resounding 182-run victory that propelled them up the standings and relegated their opponents to the bottom.Storm's innings was ignited by a scintillating 83 from Amanda-Jade Wellington, who struck 14 boundaries and two maximums in a blistering 53-ball knock. Her partnership with captain Sophie Luff (60) yielded an impressive 102 runs, guiding Storm to a formidable total of 284 all out in 49.5 overs.Katie George emerged as the standout bowler for Sparks, claiming 5 for 50, including a remarkable caught and bowled dismissal. However, Storm's batting depth proved too much to handle, with Wellington and Luff leading the charge.Sparks' reply began disastrously, losing wickets to the first two deliveries from Issy Wong, who is on loan to Storm. The collapse continued as they stumbled to 102 all out, with only Davina Perrin (42) offering any resistance. Chloe Skelton and Wong shared six wickets between them, dismantling Sparks' batting lineup.Storm's openers, Emma Corney and Sophia Smale, had earlier laid a solid foundation with a 92-run partnership. However, Sparks fought back with three wickets in quick succession, including the dismissals of Luff and Natasha Wraith.Wellington's half-century, which included a towering six over midwicket, injected momentum into Storm's innings. Luff's departure to a stunning catch by George did not deter Wellington, who continued her assault until she was dismissed in bizarre fashion, with the ball lodging in the wicketkeeper's visor.Sparks' chase was doomed from the outset, with Wong claiming two wickets in the first two balls. Perrin's valiant effort was in vain as the rest of the batting lineup crumbled. Skelton's late burst of 3 for 6 sealed the victory for Storm, leaving Sparks languishing at the bottom of the table.

The Barbados Royals, reigning champions of the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), have bolstered their squad for the 2024 season with the acquisition of Sri Lankan superstar Chamari Athapaththu. The Royals have also retained key players from their title-winning campaign, including all-rounder Hayley Matthews and legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington.Athapaththu, a prolific batter and offspinner, brings a wealth of experience to the Royals. In 12 T20Is this year, she has amassed 371 runs, including a century against Scotland, and claimed 13 wickets. Her all-around abilities will be a valuable asset to the Royals' lineup.Matthews, who captained the Royals to victory last season, was a standout performer. She finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 191 runs at a strike rate of 132.63 and was also the joint third-highest wicket-taker with seven. Her match-winning 82-run knock and two wickets in the final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors were crucial in securing the title.Wellington, meanwhile, was the second-highest wicket-taker in 2023 with eight scalps in five games at an impressive economy rate of 4.80. Her legspin will be a key weapon for the Royals in the upcoming season.In addition to Athapaththu, Matthews, and Wellington, the Royals have retained Laura Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Qiana Joseph from their 2023 squad. These players provide a solid foundation for the team, with a mix of experience and emerging talent.The Royals still have six spots to fill, which will be determined through the WCPL draft later in July. The team will be aiming to defend their title and continue their dominance in the tournament.The WCPL 2024 will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with all seven games taking place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The Royals will face off against the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the tournament.

In a thrilling encounter at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, South East Stars emerged victorious over Western Storm by a narrow four-run margin in their Charlotte Edwards Cup opener.Chasing a modest target of 133, Storm's hopes were dashed in the final over by the brilliance of Tash Farrant. The former England allrounder conceded just two runs from the final two deliveries, including the crucial wicket of Alex Griffiths, to secure the win for Stars.Earlier, Amanda-Jade Wellington had starred for Storm with a superb bowling performance, claiming 3 for 22 from four overs. Her efforts, coupled with a catch and a run-out, restricted Stars to 132 for 9. Aylish Cranstone top-scored for the visitors with a gritty 31, but a middle-overs collapse saw them lose five wickets in quick succession.Storm's reply got off to a solid start thanks to Emma Corney's 37-ball 40. Niamh Holland contributed 32, but the chase faltered in the final over as Griffiths and Sophie Luff were dismissed in quick succession.Stars skipper Bryony Smith had set the tone for her team with an aggressive start, but her dismissal for 16 triggered a collapse. Paige Scholfield and Sophia Dunkley provided some resistance, but Wellington's three wickets in 14 balls put Storm firmly in control.However, Cranstone's spirited 31 kept Stars in the game, and Farrant's heroics in the final over ultimately proved decisive.