Kia Super League Finals Preview: Surrey Stars

Surrey Stars are in their second consecutive finals day. They needed a final group game win over their semi-final opponents Western Storm to book their spot. While they have beaten their opposing team twice this season they fell at this stage to them last year.



Natalie Sciver, the England allrounder, has grown into the role as Surrey Stars captain over the course of its history. A player capable of winning games on her own has a core group of leaders on and off the field.



At the centre of that group are the trio of South African internationals. To have an experienced international captain like Dane van Niekerk to bounce ideas off is more than useful.



One of the major factors to Surrey Stars success if found in their other two overseas players. Marizanne Kapp is the most economical bowler in the world and wicket taker. Add to that the explosive power at the top of the order from Lizelle Lee and you have the makings of a competitive team.



It is Sarah Taylor’s first season with the Surrey Stars and she was instrumental in helping her new side beat Western Storm at Cheltenham. Along with her wicketkeeping skills, no batter is safe from her quick hands.



They have players with bundles of promise in Bryony Smith and Sophia Dunkley. Smith has already played for England this year and opens the batting alongside Lee, another clean hitter who caught the eye in last years competition. While she hasn’t hit those heights this year, she is only one innings away from making an impact.



Dunkley is on the fringes of making her own debut for England. A confident batter who can play all the shots as well as hit it well. Her spin bowling has also resulted in her taking wickets of some big names. This you feel will be her last chance to prove, she should be on the plane to the Caribbean later in the year.



Surrey Stars will go into finals day full of confidence, they have beaten both the other teams this year. They also have momentum as the only team to have won their last group game. With a rich seam of experience running through the team, they will push their opponents hard and possibly win the day.