KIA Super League Preview: Western Storm v Loughborough Lightning
THE MATCH
Western Storm continue the defence of their Kia Super League title when they take on Loughborough Lightning at the Cooper Associates County Ground tomorrow (Sunday).
Play is due to get underway at 12pm.
This match is part of a double header and will be followed by Somerset v Middlesex in the Vitality Blast
Tickets are still available for this match and can be purchased here.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date with the action Twitter
The match is also being shown live on Sky Sports Cricket.
In addition to this a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted after the close.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides have met three times over the last two years with Western Storm having won twice and Loughborough Lightning winning once.
In 2017 Storm skipper Heather Knight won the toss and elected to field in front of a large crowd at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
An impressive performance from Stafanie Taylor saw the West Indies skipper claim four for five from her four overs as the Lightning were restricted to 108 for nine from their 20 overs.
Chasing 109 for victory, the home side got off to the worst possible start when Rachel Priest fell without a run on the board but Knight and Georgia Hennessy got their side back on track.
Taylor then top scored with 34 as the Storm came out on top by five wickets.
In 2016 Loughborough won the group stage match by just five runs.
Ellyse Perry (44) and Amy Jones (46) ensured that the Lightning posted a total of 158 for eight. In reply the Storm fell just short despite an impressive 74 off just 46 balls from Heather Knight.
The two sides met again at the semi-final stage in 2016 but it was Western Storm who came out on top this time.
Perry was again in impressive form for Loughborough and contributed 64 to her sides total of 124 for seven. Taylor was the pick of the Storm bowlers, claiming three for 31.
The West Indian then added 34 with the bat as 52 from Knight also ensured that Western Storm reached the first ever KIA Super League final courtesy of a five wicket win.
TEAM NEWS
Head Coach, Trevor Griffin will pick the starting XI from the following squad:
Heather Knight, Anya Shrubsole, Fran Wilson, Stafanie Taylor, Smriti Mandhana, Rachel Priest, Sophie Luff, Freya Davies, Claire Nicholas, Lauren Parfitt, Danielle Gibson, Lissy McLeod, Amara Carr, Naomi Dattani and Rebecca Silk.
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the match Smriti Mandhana said: “I love playing at Taunton, it has been such a happy hunting ground for me during my career so far. The wickets are so good, you are encouraged to play your shots and go for it.
“When I looked at the fixture list and saw that there were games to play at Taunton, I was really pleased. I love playing on this ground and, hopefully, I can make another big score and help the team win.
“It’s good to play alongside Heather after being on opposite sides for India and England for so long. Heather has a lot of experience and is one of the top batters in the world. I can learn a lot from her and I know watching her and batting with her will help improve me as a player.”
WHAT TIME DO GATES OPEN?
Gates will open at 11am with play due to get underway 12pm.
PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY
All the information that you need about getting to the Cooper Associates County Ground can be found by clicking here
KIDS ZONE
A Kids Activation Zone will be set up in front of the Cricket Museum on Sunday. Make sure you visit the Somerset Cricket Board Coaches and try out your skills!
