NORTH COUNTY – With blistering sunshine and a good batting wicket, the stage was set but the Scorchers seemed determined to hold on with the cup on the line.
The day began with Scorchers winning the toss and batting first below clear skies. This decision seemed immediately vindicated with high scoring early on.
After losing two early wickets they then decided to move up the gears. Gaby Lewis accelerated, scoring 102 from 82 but departed soon after.
From there Dragons slowly built pressure in the final fifteen overs. Scorchers were initially 237-4 with time to kick on but were bowled out for 300 from 48.2 overs.
Dragons started slowly in response even falling behind the rate. But like with Gaby Lewis earlier the pitch allowed them to score quickly and get ahead of the rate required.
Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast put on 98 and looked to have everything wrapped up. Nearly. However then wickets began to fall regularly after the dismissal of Prendergast for 47.
Hunter continued her extraordinary innings finishing 130* from 107 yet couldn’t get her side closer without sufficient support.
Dragons had the opportunity to clinch the Evoke Super 50 Cup to go with their T20 title. Instead they leave matters to the final game between Scorchers and Typhoons in Oak Hill.
Scorchers now have the chance to steal with every right to. Dragons can only watch on and hope for a Typhoon victory with an eye on the margin.
Scorecard here.
