Game: Yorkshire Diamonds v Southern Vipers, Kia Women’s Super League
Date: August 25, 2019
Venue: York Cricket Club, Clifton Park
Stage of the season: The Diamonds’ ninth of 10 group games
Teams:
Yorkshire Diamonds: L Winfield c, AJ Healy w, JI Rodrigues, HJ Armitage, BAM Heath, AN Davidson-Richards, LM Kasperek, LCN Smith, GK Davis, BA Langston, KA Levick
Southern Vipers: SW Bates, DN Wyatt, TT Beaumont c&w, ME Bouchier, TF Brookes, A Wellington, FMK Morris, PJ Scholfield, NE Farrant, LK Bell, CE Dean
Toss: Yorkshire Diamonds won it and elected to field first
Summary:
The Diamonds claimed a nail-biting and thrilling, but ultimately bittersweet, victory over past champions and runners-up to be in 2019, the Southern Vipers. A last ball victory was one of Yorkshire’s most impressive in four years of the Super League, though it wasn’t enough to help them qualify for a maiden Finals Day. To keep those hopes alive, they had to secure a bonus points victory – effectively chase down their target of 185 in double quick time. But, nonetheless, it was another thriller in the White Rose county. As Ben Stokes was thrusting England towards a stunning Ashes victory over at Emerald Headingley, those watching on in quieter surrounds were not missing out on the fun thanks to India teenage batting sensation Jemimah Rodrigues. A series of solid contributions, led by openers Suzie Bates (47) and Danni Wyatt (42) led the visitors to a commanding 184-4 in excellent batting conditions under sunny skies. All-rounder Alice Davidson-Richards had a hand in all four wickets, claiming three with her seamers and taking a catch. Then, in reply, the Diamonds recovered from the early loss of their international openers, Lauren Winfield and Alyssa Healy (28-2 in the fourth over) – and it was one heck of a recovery! On the way to a sensational match-winning century, Rodrigues dominated a 90-stand for the third wicket with regular county captain Hollie Armitage (23) and did likewise in sharing 49 for the sixth wicket with Scotland-born New Zealand international Leigh Kasperek (12). It was an innings which showed why the then 18-year-old is so highly rated in world cricket.
