LONDON, CMC – Western Storm survived a telling burst from West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin to pull off a four-wicket victory over Lancashire Thunder in the England Women’s Super League here Sunday.
Chasing 84 to win at Taunton, Western Storm were cruising at 64 for two in the 11th over when Dottin rocked the innings with a three-wicket haul.
She bowled Fran Wilson for 16 and off the very next delivery, trapped Lizelle Lee lbw without scoring, as Storm slid to 65 for four.
In the next over, new-ball bowler Sophie Ecclestone bowled captain Heather Knight who top-scored with 23 off 25 deliveries, and Dottin returned to shatter Sophie Luff’s stumps for six in the 15th over.
However, Storm steadied themselves to get over the line and make a winning start to the inaugural tournament.
West Indies women’s captain, Stafanie Taylor, made 14 in a 35-run, second wicket partnership with Knight after New Zealander Rachel Priest fell cheaply for two in the second over with the score on three.
Earlier, both Dottin and her teenaged West Indies teammate, Hayley Matthews, had failed after Thunder, opting to bat first, were dismissed for 83 with nine balls remaining in the innings.
Batting at number four, Dottin made a run-a-ball 15 while opener Matthews perished for seven to leave Thunder on 11 for one in the fourth over.
Emma Lamb top-scored with 25 from 27 balls.
Off-spinner Taylor sent down a brilliant four-over spell which leaked just 14 runs and dried up the run-scoring in the Thunder innings.
