Match Preview: Southern Vipers v Loughborough Lightning, Kia Super League

The Southern Vipers will light up the The Ageas Bowl for the first time in this year’s Kia Super League campaign as they host Loughborough Lightning on Wednesday, with both teams looking to claim back-to-back victories to begin the campaign.

Southern Vipers Squad:

An unchanged 15-strong squad has been named for this Wednesday’s match-up, with England and Vipers opener Tammy Beaumont looking to continue her good form following her unbeaten 62* on debut to help secure victory in last week’s opener against Surrey Stars.

Beaumont’s partner in crime at Guildford, Mignon du Preez, also made a key contribution with the bat and the South African international will also be looking to replicate similar form under lights this week. Fi Morris and Tash Farrant, who picked four and three wickets last week, will head up the Vipers bowling attack once again.

The Opposition:

Loughborough Lightning stormed to victory against Lancashire Thunder with five overs to spare last week, propelling them to second in the Kia Super League table.

Sophie Devine helped devour the Thunder’s top order in that contest as the New Zealand international claimed two wickets in the first over of the innings. Jenny Gunn will also head to the south coast in good form after she partnered Devine in the bowling assault on Lancashire and finished with figures 3-10 in return.

Georgia Elwiss has captained the side since the start of the competition in 2016 and last week led her side’s chase as they surpassed Lancashire’s modest total of 72.

Did You Know?

• Tammy Beaumont hit her highest ever T20 innings last month as she struck 116 against Vipers team-mate Mignon du Preez for England against South Africa.
• Sara McGlashan represented New Zealand in the first ever Women’s T20 International, against England at Hove in 2004.

Full Southern Vipers Squad:

Coverage:

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

The fixture will also be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for the The Ageas Bowl: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcp185f25

Tickets:

Tickets for Wednesday’s match against Loughborough Lightning at The Ageas Bowl can be purchased online via the link below, over the phone 0844 847 1863, or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office during normal working hours.

Video:

Watch as caught up with the Southern Vipers ahead of this summer's Kia Super League campaign.