Thunder Thrash Diamonds in Charlotte Edwards Cup Opener

Lancashire Thunder kicked off their Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Northern Diamonds at Emirates Old Trafford.

Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris, and Kate Cross's exceptional bowling restricted Diamonds to a meager 109 for 5 in their 20 overs. Emma Marlow's valiant 47* was the only notable contribution for the visitors.

Thunder's chase was equally impressive, reaching the target in just 15 overs. Emma Lamb led the charge with an unbeaten 44, while Seren Smale contributed 30*.

Diamonds' innings began disastrously as Leah Dobson and Lauren Winfield-Hill departed cheaply. Hollie Armitage's dismissal left them reeling at 19 for 3. Sterre Kalis and Marlow provided some resistance, but their partnership was broken when Kalis was caught for 16.

Marlow found an ally in Katherine Fraser, and the pair added 42 runs to give Diamonds a semblance of respectability. However, the target of 110 was always within Thunder's reach.

Lamb and Georgia Voll got Thunder off to a flying start, reaching 56 for 1 in the powerplay. Voll's unfortunate run out slowed the momentum, but Smale's energy kept the chase on track.

Thunder secured the victory with 31 balls to spare, earning a bonus point in the process.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #LancashireThunder, #NorthernDiamonds, #EmmaLamb, #MahikaGaur