On August 7, the Northern Superchargers hosted Welsh Fire at Headingley in Leeds. After winning the toss, the Northern Superchargers Women chose to bat first, and their decision proved to be the right one.
Openers Davina Perrin and Alice Davidson-Richards provided a solid start. However, Davidson-Richards was soon dismissed by Freya Davies, and South African pacer Shabnim Ismail struck next, removing Phoebe Litchfield for a low score.
Perrin and Annabel Sutherland then steadied the innings, adding a valuable 33-run partnership before Perrin was dismissed. Captain Hollie Armitage joined Sutherland at the crease, but the partnership was short-lived as Sutherland was removed by Hayley Matthews.
What followed was a crucial stand between Armitage and Georgia Wareham, who added a quickfire 52 runs together. Their effort helped the Superchargers reach a competitive total of 141 from their 100 balls.
In the chase, Welsh Fire lost both openers cheaply and were quickly reduced to 6 for 2. Coming in at number three, captain Tammy Beaumont played a composed innings, trying to anchor the chase. However, wickets continued to fall at the other end, putting her under mounting pressure. Eventually, she was dismissed for a well-made 36.
No other batter, apart from Beaumont, Georgia Elwiss, and Katie Levick, managed to reach double figures. As a result, Welsh Fire were bowled out for 94 with two balls remaining.
Highlights of the Match:
Georgia Wareham – 29* off 17 and 2 for 14 (20 balls)
Australian leg-spinner Georgia Wareham has been in fine form recently, and she continued her strong run in the third match of The Hundred. Batting at number seven, she played a quickfire knock of 29 off just 17 balls, which included three fours and a six. Her crucial 52-run partnership with skipper Hollie Armitage helped lift the Superchargers to a respectable total of 141.
Wareham also made an impact with the ball, dismissing her Australian counterpart Jess Jonassen for just 1. She later trapped Katie George lbw to claim her second wicket of the night. For her outstanding all-round performance, she was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Hollie Armitage – 34* off 25
Hollie Armitage led from the front with a composed captain’s innings. She initially supported Annabel Sutherland and later formed a crucial partnership with Georgia Wareham as both batters looked to accelerate. Armitage anchored the innings with maturity, rotating the strike well and putting away the loose deliveries for boundaries. Her presence at the crease, combined with timely partnerships, played a key role in guiding the Superchargers to a total of 141.
Annabel Sutherland – 28 off 20 and 1 for 19 (20 balls)
Annabel Sutherland’s all-round performance in her team’s first match showcased why she is considered one of the most promising rising stars in women’s cricket across the globe. With the bat, she scored a brisk 28, which included three boundaries and a six, providing much-needed momentum when the team was struggling to score. Later, with the ball, she maintained disciplined lines, effectively containing the run rate. Her efforts were rewarded when she clean bowled wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce, capping off a strong contribution in both departments.
Grace Ballinger – 2 for 16 (18 balls)
The young left-arm pacer impressed on the big stage with a composed and disciplined performance. Bowling with the new ball during the powerplay, she delivered 18 balls, 11 of which were dot balls, showcasing her control and potential under pressure. Her efforts were rightly rewarded with two key wickets, including those of opposition captain Tammy Beaumont and Katie Levick.
Tammy Beaumont – 36 off 21
The veteran English cricketer showcased the wealth of experience she brings to the team. After the early loss of two wickets, she held one end steady while watching partners fall around her. Despite the pressure, she managed to score a quick 36, featuring three fours and three sixes. However, her valiant effort was not enough to take her side over the line, as she was eventually dismissed by Grace Ballinger.
