Match Preview: Southern Vipers v Western Storm or Surrey Stars - Kia Super League

Southern Vipers will look to secure consecutive titles when they face the winner of Western Storm vs Surrey Stars in the final of the 2017 Kia Super League at Hove on Friday afternoon.

Southern Vipers Squad:

Southern Vipers have named an unchanged 15-player squad, with Charlie Dean, Ellen Burt, Izzy Collis and Katie George being named alongside the final XI from their victory over Yorkshire Diamonds in their final group game. Mignon du Preez will be looking to continue her form with the bat as the Sussex contingency in the Vipers squad will be preparing to return to their home ground.

The Opposition:

Surrey Stars finished second in the Kia Super League table, missing out on qualification for the final after an 81-run defeat against Loughborough Lightning at the Kia Oval on Saturday. Marizanne Kapp has been a key player with both bat and ball, approaching 200 runs for the tournament whilst taking seven wickets. They also have World Cup Winners Tammy Beaumont, Laura Marsh and Natalie Sciver in their side, as well as South African international Lizelle Lee.

Western Storm edged through to the semi-finals on the final group game with victory over Lancashire Thunder at Bristol. Heather Knight’s side have improved since they were bowled out for just 70 by Southern Vipers on the opening day. West Indies international Stafanie Taylor has been a key player for last year’s finalists, with the all-rounder averaging over 37 with the bat, whilst taking 16 wickets including figures of 4-5 against Loughborough Lightning earlier this season.   

Did You Know?

• Suzie Bates is one of only two players to record 100+ runs and take 5+ wickets in the Kia Super League this season, Surrey Stars captain Natalie Sciver is the other.
• No bowler has taken more wickets in the Kia Super League since its inception than Suzie Bates with 17 scalps, level with Surrey Stars spinner Alex Hartley.
• Linsey Smith has the best economy rate of any bowler ever to have bowled 20+ overs in the Kia Super League (4.8, 34 overs).

Full Southern Vipers Squad:

Coverage:

Live text commentary will be available via the Southern Vipers’ Twitter and Facebook pages. A feed to these will also be available on this page.

The final will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket, with the coverage beginning at 6pm.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link here for the latest weather forecast for the 1^st Central County Ground, Hove.

Tickets:

Tickets for the 2017 Kia Super League can be purchased via the official Sussex County Cricket Club website using the button below, with tickets costing just £5 for adults and £1 for children. There is also an exclusive ticket offer for large groups, where you can buy 10 tickets and get another 10 for free!