Windsor reacts as Vipers defeat sets up nervous Trophy climax

Number eleven Rachel Slater hit the winning two to long-on to help Northern Diamonds beat champions Southern Vipers by one run in a last-ball thriller chasing 241 at Headingley to qualify for a home semi-final. 

Diamonds were on the ropes at 216 for nine after 46.5 overs in reply to 240 for eight. Visiting captain Georgia Adams impressed with 57 and a season’s best four for 26 with her off-spin.

Debutant left-arm spinner Rebecca Tyson impressed with three wickets, but she couldn’t quite defend nine runs off the last over with Katie Levick at the crease alongside Slater. They shared 25, with Slater finishing 18 not out. Leg-spinner Levick’s 13 had been preceded by three wickets.

The Vipers innings was built around a measured 82-ball innings from Adams but they are not yet over the line in terms of the semi-finals. Diamonds remain top and Vipers have slipped out of the top two and behind South East Stars.

Stars face Diamonds in the final group match of the competition, while Vipers take on Sunrisers needing to win to qualify for the semi-final. 

“What a game of cricket, to start with. Credit to the Northern Diamonds for getting over the line. It was a real spectacle for women’s cricket, but it’s a gutted Vipers changing room," Windsor said.

“But we’re not out of the competition. There’s still a lot to play for, and we go again on Saturday. There were still a lot of positives to take from this game compared to the previous two.

“I don’t think we ever think we’re over the line until we get there, and it was nervy. Credit to them, it was a fantastic partnership. I’m not sure we could do a lot differently. 

“Becs Tyson on debut, what fantastic figures and what an impressive performance she had. It’s very important that she doesn’t look back on today and remember it by that last over.

"It’s a tough job, no one wants to do it, and she held her hand up. Her previous nine overs were exceptional and kept us in the game.”