Captain Kathryn Bryce’s 54 was in vain for Lightning as Southern Vipers inflicted a 31-run defeat in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Southampton. 

Lauren Bell underlined her England credentials for the hosts with three for 12 - including 2-2 from her first two overs - while Maia Bouchier continued her fine start to the season with 41 as Vipers garnered 155 for five.

Lightning responded with 124, with Tammy Beamont and Kirsty Gordon the other batters to make it to double figures. 

Opener Marie Kelly attempted to negate Bell’s in-swing by walking down the pitch, but got cramped by a cross-seam delivery to sky to keeper Carla Rudd.

Sarah Bryce tried the opposite and stayed still for as long as possible. The Scotland international got stuck on her crease as an in-ducker knocked over her off pole, via a deflection off the thigh pad.

Bell then secured the prized wicket of Tammy Beaumont with a yorker, having induced a leading edge which fell short of mid-on shortly before.  

Vipers simply kept it tight from then on, allowing the required rate to rocket. Charlie Dean claimed three for 23 and Georgia Elwiss two for 18 to complete the win.

Earlier, Vipers were put in to bat and lost Georgia Adams to a simple deep square boundary catch, but Danni Wyatt and Bouchier shared a quickfire 43-run partnership before the former was caught on the ring.

It catalysed an impressive fightback in the middle overs, as the Vipers appeared on course for a huge total at 100 for two but slumped to 110 for five.

First Elwiss top-edged straight up off Piepa Cleary, then Kirstie Gordon bowled Bouchier through the gate with a wonderful arm ball before Paige Scholfield advanced and hoicked to extra cover.

Freya Kemp and Dean added 45 in the last five overs to swing the momentum back Vipers’ way, prior to the home side’s strong bowling performance. 

*******

Be More Outlaw: The 2022 Vitality Blast at Trent Bridge

Notts Outlaws, the 2017 and 2020 Vitality Blast winners, return to T20 action at Trent Bridge this summer from Friday 27 May to Friday 1 July. Pin your green and gold colours to the mast by securing your seats now.

Purchase your Season Ticket here...

Friday 27 May, Notts Outlaws vs Worcestershire Rapids: Secure your seats…

Sunday 29 May, Lightning vs Southern Vipers (Charlotte Edwards Cup): Secure your seats...

Monday 30th May, Notts Outlaws vs Northamptonshire Steelbacks: Secure your seats…

Tuesday 31 May, Notts Outlaws vs Lancashire Lightning: Secure your seats…

Friday 17 June, Notts Outlaws vs Birmingham Bears: Secure your seats…

Tuesday 21 June, Notts Outlaws vs Leicestershire Foxes: Secure your seats…

Thursday 23 June, Notts Outlaws vs Derbyshire Falcons: Secure your seats…

Friday 1 July, Notts Outlaws vs Durham: Secure your seats…