Storm and Lightning join Vipers in Chelmsford on August 21
Friday 12 August 2016 20:59, UK
Western Storm and Loughborough Lighting joined Southern Vipers at Kia Super League Finals Day following comprehensive victories on Friday evening.
Storm beat Vipers by eight wickets in Taunton, while Lightning trumped Surrey Stars by 34 runs at Haselgrave Ground, ending Stars' hopes of making the knockout phase in the process.
The final round of group fixtures takes place on Sunday, with Vipers, Storm and Lightning all hoping to claim top spot and immediate qualification the final at Chelmsford on Sunday, August 21.
Vipers skipper Charlotte Edwards (30) scored her first runs of the Super League against Storm, having been injured and then notching a duck against Yorkshire Diamonds in her only previous innings.
Suzie Bates (57) impressed for Vipers in their total of 137-3, while England skipper Heather Knight claimed two wickets, including having Edwards caught out by Anya Shrubsole.
Knight then hit 31 and Stafanie Taylor top scored with an unbeaten 78 as Storm coasted home with 13 deliveries in the bank, Taylor sealing victory with a four.
Lightning's Dane van Niekerk (91 off 64 balls) hit the highest score of the competition to date, the South African besting Natalie Sciver's 45-ball 90 for Surrey against Storm last Sunday.
Van Niekerk's 13 fours and three sixes helped Lightning club a tournament-high 168-6 from their 20 overs and she was soon starring with the ball, taking two early wickets as Stars stumbled to 25-2.
Sciver's dismissal for 12, courtesy of England team-mate Georgia Elwiss, was a big blow for Surrey, who were bundled out for 134, despite a fine late cameo from Laura Marsh (41 off 24).
Diamonds, meanwhile, thrashed Roses rivals Lancashire Thunder in a bottom-of-the-table clash to claim their first victory of the season at the fourth attempt.
Alex Blackwell smashed 59 for Yorkshire as they posted 166-6, before Thunder shipped their last six wickets for 11 runs to wilt to 71 all out and lose 95 runs - Katherine Brunt finishing the innings with a hat-trick.
