Report Emma Lamb, Katie Mack on the attack for Thunder after Tara Norris four-for Eight-wicket victory over Central Sparks maintains slim hopes of qualification ECB Reporters Network 10-Jul-2024 • 49 mins ago Emma Lamb pulls a six over midwicket • Peter Della Penna Thunder 147 for 2 (Lamb 71*, Mack 52*) beat Central Sparks 144 (Norris 4-18, Morris 3-31) by eight wickets Thunder kept alive their slender hopes of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy qualification with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Central Sparks at Worcester. The win was set up by the excellent bowling of left-armers Tara Norris (four for 18) and Sophie Morris (three for 31) as Sparks were bowled out for 144 in 42.4 overs.
Only captain Eve Jones (38 from 62 balls) threatened to play a match-shaping innings for the home side in an error-strewn team batting display. Thunder then cruised to 147 for two with a whopping 21 overs to spare as third-wicket pair Emma Lamb (71 not out, 84 balls) and Katie Mack (52 not out, 69) added an unbroken 122 from 134 balls. The northerners' win lifted them above their hosts in the table and maintained their interest in the qualification picture.
Sparks, on the other hand, are left with little more than pride to play for in their remaining games. Thunder chose to bowl and inflicted serious early damage, abetted by the home batters' reluctance to get on the front foot. Sparks stumbled to 52 for four after 13 overs with all the casualties bowled or lbw as they stayed back in t.
