Thunder Overcome Undefeated Sparks in Charlotte Edwards Cup Thriller

Lancashire Thunder's impressive season continued as they overcame the previously undefeated Central Sparks by three wickets in their Charlotte Edwards Cup match at Emirates Old Trafford.

Thunder's bowlers set the tone for the victory, restricting Sparks to a modest 121 for 8 in their 20 overs. Phoebe Graham and Fi Morris were the standout performers, claiming three wickets each.

In reply, Thunder chased down the target with one over to spare, despite a shaky start. Morris led the way with a crucial 43, while Sparks' bowlers made them fight for every run.

Sparks' innings began disastrously as Tara Norris dismissed Chloe Brewer and Davina Perrin with the second and third balls of the match. Abbey Freeborn provided some resistance with a 12-ball 15, but Morris took the next two wickets to leave Sparks reeling at 54 for 5.

A rain delay halted play for 25 minutes, but on resumption, Katie George and Charis Paveley revived Sparks' hopes with a 19-run partnership. However, Morris struck again, dismissing George for 17.

Emily Arlott and Paveley then combined for a 47-run stand, providing a late boost to Sparks' total. Arlott finished with 28, while Paveley remained unbeaten on 27.

Thunder's chase was far from smooth. Emma Lamb was dismissed early, and Georgia Davis claimed two quick wickets to leave Thunder at 42 for 3.

Morris and Ailsa Lister steadied the ship with a 38-run partnership, but Morris's dismissal for 43 put Thunder under pressure again.

Lister's departure left 24 needed off five overs, but Norris's straight six off Hannah Baker eased the tension. Arlott bowled Norris in the penultimate over, but Graham sealed the win with an edged four off her first ball.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #LancashireThunder, #CentralSparks, #Cricket, #Women'sCricket