In an exciting climax to the Vitality Blast Women competition, Surrey (SUR) won the first title with a commanding five-wicket victory against Warwickshire (WAR) at the Kia Oval. At the forefront was Australian all-rounder Grace Harris, who hammered an unbeaten 63 from a mere 33 balls to claim the historic victory with 20 balls remaining.
Grace Harris Delivers Match-Winning Knock
Grace Harris delivered a superb performance in the SUR vs WAR final when a big performance was needed. Harris struck a magnificent innings of seven fours and two sixes, and our attention was not just drawn to the score but to the timing of the shots under pressure.
Harris used her power and precision to full effect, picking up the ball off her pads, through the mid-off and cover regions with ease. She brought up her fifty at a remarkable strike rate of 200, and capped her innings by launching Millie Taylor into the stands at midwicket.
Kira Chathli Completes the Task in Storybook Manner
Appropriately, Southwark-born Kira Chathli, a Surrey fan all her life, came up with the winning runs on home soil. Her calm demeanor at the crease made Harris’s fireworks not go for naught.
Warwickshire Stumble despite Laura Harris and Issy Wong’s Battle
Batting first, Warwickshire (WAR) struggled to develop stable partnerships. Semi-final star Issy Wong hit a top score of 31, while Laura Harris Grace’s sister smashed a 25 off 11 balls, including two sixes.
But Surrey’s tight bowling and quick fielding, two of the run-outs, kept Warwickshire to a modest score. Phoebe Franklin was the best of the bowlers with 2 for 16, and she also caught Laura Harris off a vital catch in the deep.
Surrey Bowlers Set the Tone
Surrey’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Alexa Stonehouse and Alice Capsey, provided key breakthroughs towards the early part of the innings. Stonehouse got rid of Meg Austin with a lovely in-swinger, whereas Capsey castled Davina Perrin for a score of zero. Wickets kept on falling at frequent intervals, with Sterre Kalis being run out due to a spectacular throw by Ryana MacDonald-Gay from deep in the field.
Surrey’s Chase Wobbles Before Grace Takes Charge
Pursuing a modest 155, Surrey Women were in trouble when they lost early wickets, with in-form batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge going cheaply. When Bryony Smith and Alice Capsey also got out in quick succession, the hosts were struggling at 42/3.
Sophia Dunkley lifted the mood for a while with a few boundaries and a huge six, but was sent back with a brilliant stumping by Natasha Wraith. With the match in the balance, Grace Harris stepped up and played a planned counterattack that left Warwickshire bowlers confused.
Arlott, Surenkumar Impress with the Ball
Even in defeat, Emily Arlott and Amu Surenkumar were a force to be reckoned with for Warwickshire, taking two wickets each and pinning the bowlers back through the middle overs. Surenkumar’s conservative spell also saw him effect the deciding stumping of Dunkley.
Final Verdict: Surrey Too Strong for Bears
In the SUR vs WAR thriller, Surrey Women were too powerful for a determined Warwickshire team. With Grace Harris leading the chase and the bowlers following a well-rehearsed game plan, Surrey were worthy winners of the inaugural Vitality Blast Women title.
Key Highlights
Grace Harris: 63* (33 balls), 2 sixes, 7 fours – Player of the Match
Phoebe Franklin: 2-16 and 1 catch
Issy Wong: Top scorer for Warwickshire – 31 runs
Surrey emerge victorious by 5 wickets with 20 balls remaining
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