Elyse Villani and Rachel Haynes slammed quickfire fifties to down Southern Vipers on Saturday (August 4) and consolidate Loughborough Lightning's position at the top of the points table in the ongoing Kia Super League. After opting to bat first, Vipers posted 172 in their allotted 20 overs which Lightning tracked down in the final over of the chase with two balls to spare.
WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE
Villani, Haynes fifties down Southern Vipers
Elyse Villani stood tall amid the ruins, scoring runs quickly to keep up with the rigours of the chase © Getty
Vipers were reduced to 83 for 4 after opener Danielle Wyatt and Mignon du Preez fell without making good on the 39-run stand for the third wicket. However just as it seemed Lightning would seize control going into the last eight overs, Sara McGlashan and Arran Brindle added 71 runs for the fifth wicket off just 40 balls.
While McGlashan hit six fours and three sixes, Brindle smashed four fours in her hand of 26 runs. McGlashan remained unbeaten on 55 to see Vipers through to 172. Another standout feature of the inning was the colossal number of wides bowled - 17, something Lightning would not be too proud of.
Haynes and Amy Ellen Jones set the tone for the chase with the former belting out 53 off just 34 balls while opening the inning. Wicketkeeper Jones scored an 18-ball 31, and together with Haynes, amassed 11 fours and two sixes inside the first ten overs of play. Jones and Haynes fell within three overs of each other's dismissal for Lightning to lose control over the chase rather quickly.
Villani stood tall amid the ruins, scoring runs quickly to keep up with the rigours of the chase. With seven fours and two sixes, Villani brought her fifty up and ensured she stayed till the end to shepherd the chase. Three quick wickets went down in overs 17 and 18, and with 11 needed off the final over, Villani hit a six and a four off successive deliveries to seal the chase, with two balls to spare.
Brief Scores: Southern Vipers 172/6 in 20 overs (Sara McGlashan 55*; Georgia Elwiss 2-26) lost to Lightning Loughborough 174/7 in 19.4 overs (Elyse Villani 61*, Rachael Haynes 53; Arran Brindle 1-13) by 3 wickets
© Cricbuzz
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