Lizelle Lee’s Western Storm have made it to the Super League semi-finals, joining Dane van Niekerk’s Loughborough Lightning.
The top three spots were already confirmed going into the last round of matches, and Western Storm put the icing on the cake with a comprehensive victory over the disappointing Yorkshire Diamonds to wrap up second spot.
The Loughborough Lightning would have to settle for third spot, as they were thrashed by the Southern Vipers, who have sealed their spot in the final courtesy of finishing first.
Shabnim Ismail’s Diamonds only managed one victory from their five matches, but the Proteas fast-bowler can leave with her head held high, having taken six wickets at an average of 14.83 and a miserly economy rate of 5.56.
Lee only contributed eight runs in the six-wicket victory, with the damage coming from the openers. World T20-winning captain Stafanie Taylor scored 45 in the successful chase.
Dane van Niekerk couldn’t match her incredible 91 and 2-26 from Friday’s win over Marizanne Kapp’s Surrey Stars, scoring two and bowling two wicketless overs, as the table-topping Southern Vipers beat her Lightning side by 59 runs.
They did enough to reach the semis though, and will face face Western Storm for a place in the final against the Vipers, with both matches taking place next Sunday the 21st.
Photo: Chris Rocco/Backpage Pix
