Warwickshire Women booked their place into Vitality Women's County T20 Finals Day after securing a convincing win over Northants.
Needing a win from the encounter at Geddington Sports Ground, Ria Fackrell fired a 16 boundary 84* (64 balls) to lift the Bears to 144/4, a total too strong for the hosts.
The result means Warwickshire top Group 2 unbeaten, with six wins from their eight games, edging local rivals Worcestershire on bonus points.
All attention will now turn to Neston CC, Cheshire on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August where Warwickshire will face Derbyshire Cricket Foundation, Hertfordshire Women and Hampshire Pathways in a round-robin format.
It’s a fantastic effort for a side that’s mixed youth and experience.
Led by the stewardship of Captain Anisha Patel and all-rounder Fackrell – who’s scored 167 runs and taken seven wickets in her last three games – Warwickshire have also fielded Aamna Khan and Mariam Khan who are both U15 age group.
“To go unbeaten and top the group is a fantastic achievement. I’m incredibly proud of the girls,” said Warwickshire Women Coach Dom Ostler. “Anisha has led the team brilliantly with some excellent performances in support.
“Ria has shown her quality with both bat and ball, while Laura Smitten (153 runs) and Ellie Phillips (six wickets) have impressed against some excellent teams and players in our group.
“We knew it would be a tough ask, but the girls have stood up to everything in front of them and that will stand them in good stead for not only this season but future years. I’m excited to see what Finals Day brings.”
Ostler said his side will relish the challenge of Finals Day.
“In the men’s game, Finals Day can be quite cut-throat, where despite finishing top, losing the toss, bad weather, or just one bad performance, sends you home. Here we have an opportunity to win three games and I’m sure it’ll be a great spectacle across the two days. Hopefully, we’ll be the ones lifting the trophy.”
Click here for the full league table.
