Northern Diamonds Edge Southern Vipers

Northern Diamonds secured a nail-biting one-run victory over defending champions Southern Vipers, chasing 241 in a dramatic encounter at Headingley. No. 11 batter Rachel Slater struck the decisive two runs to long-on, earning her side a home semi-final spot in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

Diamonds found themselves in a precarious position at 216 for 9 after 46.5 overs, responding to the Vipers' total of 240 for 8. Vipers captain Georgia Adams was outstanding, scoring 57 runs and taking four wickets for 26 with her off-spin, her best performance of the season.

Rebecca Tyson, the Vipers' debutant left-arm spinner, impressed by claiming three wickets, but was unable to defend nine runs in the final over. Katie Levick and Slater, who combined for a crucial 25-run partnership, guided Diamonds home, with Slater remaining unbeaten on 18. Levick contributed 13 runs after taking three wickets earlier in the match.

Vipers' innings revolved around Adams’ composed 82-ball knock, supported by four other batters who chipped in with scores in the 30s, including Ella McCaughan, Georgia Elwiss, Emily Windsor, and Naomi Dattani.

Choosing to bat first, the Vipers adopted a steady, cautious approach after suffering two consecutive defeats. Despite lacking the experience of their title-winning squads, they managed to post a competitive total.

A brilliant diving catch by Abi Glen helped Slater remove Rhianna Southby, and Levick bowled McCaughan for 30, putting the Diamonds on top. Adams and Elwiss steadied the innings with a partnership of 76 runs in 18 overs.

Adams brought up her fifty in 74 balls, finding the boundary six times through the off-side. However, a middle-order collapse saw three wickets fall for just 30 runs, taking the Vipers from 126 for 2 to 156 for 5. Adams was bowled attempting a cut shot too close to her body, while Elwiss was run out at the non-striker’s end.

Vipers suffered further setbacks with three run-outs, including new loan signing Dattani, who hit the only six of the innings. She was caught out in the final over after adding a vital 47-run partnership with Windsor.

In response, Northern Diamonds lost their stand-in captain Lauren Winfield-Hill early, but a strong 91-run partnership between Emma Marlow and Rebecca Duckworth revived their hopes. Both batters reached half-centuries, with Duckworth achieving her maiden regional fifty.

However, after reaching their milestones, the pair were dismissed quickly, sparking a collapse that saw Diamonds lose three wickets for 26 runs, reducing them to 122 for 4. Adams and Elwiss did the damage with key wickets before Erin Burns’ 31 added stability to the Diamonds' chase.

Rebecca Tyson continued to threaten, taking three wickets, including Phoebe Turner and Glen. But Slater and Levick steadily chipped away at the target. With three balls remaining, Slater drove Tyson through the covers for four, followed by the winning two runs, sealing a remarkable victory for the Diamonds.