The Northern Diamonds were beaten by regional rivals Central Sparks in their first fixture of 2024 today, losing a T20 friendly by six wickets in Mumbai.
The two sides met at the MIG Kurla ground, the first of two weekend meetings between the two. A 40 or 45-over game is also planned for Sunday.
Emma Marlow top-scored with 28 off 30 balls after the Diamonds had elected to bat today.
Lauren Winfield-Hill captained in the absence of Hollie Armitage, who is in New Zealand on England duty.
Marlow came in at 41-3 after seven overs.
Opener Leah Dobson hit the only six of the innings in her 14, while Sterre Kalis and new fast bowling signing Sophia Turner added 17 apiece.
The Sparks used eight bowlers, with Amy Griffiths the best of them with 2-10 from three overs.
England quick Issy Wong also struck. She has recently been playing in the WPL for the Mumbai Indians, linking up with the Sparks afterwards. That is what Winfield-Hill has done with the Diamonds, the wicketkeeper-batter undertaking some media duties for that competition.
Summary Scorecard 10431091 (dragged)
In reply, the Sparks cruised to their target with five overs to spare.
Former Diamond Ami Campbell top-scored with 30 off 25 balls from number three before the left-hander was bowled by Katie Levick.
She was one of three wicket-takers amongst five bowlers used – Katherine Fraser and Abi Glen were the others. The other wicket came courtesy of a run out.
Despite not taking a wicket, new ball seamer Lizzie Scott ended with the pick of the figures, 0-9 from her three overs.
