Canons: 113 runs, 6 wickets lost (Net 83)
Southgate: 103 runs, 4 wickets lost (Net 83)
🏏 Match Tied – 83 to 83
Southgate Women’s team delivered a superb all-round performance against Canons in a closely contested match that ultimately finished in a tie on net score. After opting to take to the field first, Southgate showed excellent teamwork and determination before producing a composed run chase that kept both teams engaged right to the final ball.
Led brilliantly by captain Geethika and support from Yolanda, Southgate started the match with energy and focus. From the opening overs, the bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths while the fielders backed them up with enthusiasm and commitment.
The breakthrough came thanks to a well-organised bowling effort across the team. Fran was particularly effective in claiming 2 early wickets, closely followed by a jaw dropping two maiden overs from Alanka to put Canons under pressure during a key phase of the innings.
Southgate continued to chip away at the batting line-up, with Maddie, Mel and Pooja contributing important wickets. Every player played their part in the field, supporting the bowlers with sharp fielding and boundary saves from Mel, tight wicket keeping from Alanka and Piumi, quick catches from Yolanda with the background of positive encouragement from the team (including chants of “Wickets for Max!”).
Although Canons produced several useful partnerships, Southgate’s persistence ensured they finished with six wickets down. Their total of 113 runs was reduced to a net score of 83, leaving Southgate with a realistic target and plenty of confidence heading into the chase.
Southgate’s reply began positively as Maddie helped provide a steady platform with Fran partnering who started the team off with some early boundaries ensuring the innings got off to a solid start and helped keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The middle overs proved more challenging as Canons picked up wickets and attempted to seize control of the match. However, Southgate refused to let the momentum slip away. Quick thinking from Geethika and Yolanda switched the planned batting pairs mid-innings to deliver a nail biting second half.
Geethika led from the front, helping to build one of the most important partnerships of the innings. Batting with confidence and composure, she guided Southgate through a crucial phase of the chase. Alongside her, Piumi played an equally important role, rotating the strike effectively and helping add valuable runs without losing a wicket. Their partnership swung the momentum back in Southgate’s favour and laid the foundation for a strong finish.
With the target in sight, Southgate’s final pair rose to the occasion.
Yolanda batted confidently in the closing overs, showing great concentration and determination (on the field and the mental arithmetic on the run chase). She helped maintain the scoring rate while ensuring Southgate stayed in control of the chase.
At the other end, Pooja contributed an excellent supporting innings with positive running between the wickets. Together, the pair delivered 34 runs and carried Southgate to the wire with a competitive total. Their calm approach in a game that tested mental pressure exemplified the team spirit and ensured Southgate remained in the game until the very end.
A thoroughly deserved result for Southgate after an excellent display of bowling, fielding and batting built on contributions from every player, the team showed exactly why cricket is the ultimate team game. The scorebook may record a tie, but it was a performance full of mental composure, skill and teamwork that everyone involved can be proud of (and a win in Megan’s eyes). 😊
Pooja Patel