Southern Vipers thrashed Surrey Stars to claim an easy win

Southern Vipers started their Kia Super League campaign with a wonderful victory against Surrey Stars. They won by 7 wickets in Guildford.

After having won the toss and elected to field, Vipers struck in the very first over. Proteas in-form opener Lizelle Lee went for a duck by a delivery from Tash Farrant. Amelia Kerr handed over the second breakthrough to her team by taking Bryony Smith in the second over. Stars got the big blow when Sarah Taylor and Natalie Sciver both got dismissed within 3rd over. They were struggling on 29/4 in the powerplay as the top-order failed to make a steady partnership.

Then Dane van Niekerk came to her side's rescue, saved the embarrassment by building a steady partnership with Sophia Dunkley. They both added 63 runs before the former became Morris's second victim. Dane van Niekerk scored a stable 31 off 33. Dunkley smashed a 43-ball 66 before her dismissal to Morris. Morris picked up Kapp's wicket in the same over and ended her spell with an impressive 4-0-22-4.

Tash Farrant scalped her third wicket in the 19th over. Surrey Stars managed to put a competitive total of 141 with the help of Niekerk and Brown.

In reply, Southern Vipers lost both their openers very cheaply. Kapp picked up in-form Bates and Wyatt in the 4th over. After that, Tammy Beaumont and Mignon du Preez added 99 runs before the latter got out by Taylor's quick glove-work from Mady Villiers' delivery. She scored a quickfire 48 off 31 with 8 fours. Beaumont played a blitzy knock of unbeaten 62 off 45 with 10 fours and anchored the innings till the end. Vipers claimed an easy win with 3 overs to spare.

Southern Vipers will face Loughborough Lightning on 25th July; while Surrey Stars will play their next match against Western Storm on 26th July.