Defending Champions Southern Vipers Cruise to Crucial Victory Against Lancashire Thunder
Australian all-rounder Charli Knott’s impressive all-round performance led the defending champions Southern Vipers to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Lancashire Thunder in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Emirates Old Trafford.
Vipers bowled out the hosts for just 85 runs in 19.5 overs, with spinners Linsey Smith and Knott claiming 3 for 9 and 3 for 15 respectively. The Thunder batters struggled against the spin duo, with eight of their ten wickets falling to the turning ball.
Knott Shines with Bat and Ball
Chasing a modest target, Knott then starred with the bat, scoring a blistering 45 off 28 balls to guide the Vipers to victory with 55 balls to spare – the quickest win in the tournament’s history. Knott’s dominant opening partnership with the bat all but settled the contest, as the Vipers cantered to their third win in six group games.
“Knott’s impressive all-round performance led the defending champions Southern Vipers to a comfortable seven-wicket win.”
Vipers Maintain Dominance Over Thunder
The convincing victory has propelled the Vipers, champions in 2022 and 2023, to within a point of the fourth-placed Thunder in the race for the Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day. Across both 50-over and T20 cricket, the Vipers remain unbeaten against the Thunder, winning nine out of ten matches between the two sides.
While the Thunder struggled to cope with the Vipers’ spin threat, the defending champions showcased their all-round prowess, with Knott shining with both bat and ball. The lopsided contest highlighted the gulf in quality between the two sides, as the Vipers continued their push for another finals day appearance.
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