DORRIDGE Cricket Club’s women’s team have reached the ECB National T20 Cup final for the second year in a row after a thrilling six-wicket win against Sessay CC with one ball to spare.
Needing eight runs off the final over, a couple of boundaries, including one off the penultimate ball, saw Dorridge book their place in the final.
Dorridge will play North London-based Gunnersbury in the final on Sunday, August 18 at the Sir Paul Getty’s Ground in Wormsley.
Dorridge’s head of women’s cricket, Anisha Patel, said: “This was a great win. We held our nerve in a really tight competitive game. Our bowlers took wickets at crucial times and we then built important partnerships with the bat.
“We weren’t looking to take the game that deep but it is amazing to be in the final for the second year in a row. Our aim is to go one better than last year and to win the ECB National T20 Cup.”
Yorkshire-based Sessay made a flying start as they scored 26 runs off the first three overs before Samah Khan (1-21) eventually made the breakthrough.
With Sessay on 61-1 after seven overs, Dorridge introduced spin into the attack which slowed the run rate significantly as both Patel (1-14) and Miriam Khan (1-13) struck while Liz Russell (2-8) enjoyed a fine spell.
And two wickets in as many balls for Hannah Hardwick (2-15) saw Dorridge restrict Sessay to 109-8 from their 20 overs.
Despite losing an early wicket in their reply, a 54-run partnership between Russell (23) and M Khan (38) saw Dorridge reach 56-2.
Heading into the last six overs, Dorridge required a run-a-ball as Ellie Phillips (21 not out) produced a solid innings.
However, a pair of quick wickets meant Dorridge needed eight runs off the final over as Natalie Samuels (10 not out) scored the required runs with one delivery to spare.
Dorridge’s secretary and safeguarding officer, Sanjay Vadher, added: “This was a real test for the team and with the experience we have gained, we came out winners in a top class semi-final.
“We’re delighted to be in the final again and of course we’re in it to win it but whatever the result we are super proud of our Dorridge CC women and girls.”
