DUBLIN – Scorchers captain Gaby Lewis's maiden century led her side to the Arachas Super 50 Cup title after defeating the Typhoons by 140 runs at Malahide Cricket Club.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Player of the Match Lewis continued her purple patch from last week's international outing and brought up her half-century from 47 balls, and her first century at this level from 109 balls. Lewis hit 15 boundaries in her innings of 115, hitting shots all around the ground.
This was the fifth century in the history of the Cup after Meg Kendal (125), Cecelia Joyce (118), Clare Shillington (116) and Orla Prendergast's 116 which he scored three weeks ago at Rush.
Lewis received decent support throughout, first from Leah Paul (29) whom she shared a 106-run opening partnership with, following a 74-run stand with Shauna Kavanagh (34). Sophie MacMahon played an unbeaten cameo of 31 at the end of the innings, as the Scorchers finished on 271-5 from their 50 overs.
For the Typhoons, five bowlers claimed a wicket each, while Jane Maguire’s spell of 0-26 from 7 overs was brilliant in terms of her ability to restrict the run rate and bring in a few moments of nervousness for the batters.
In reply, the Typhoons lost the wicket of Rebecca Stokell in the first over, but despite a 75-run second wicket partnership between Louise Little (34) and Rachel Delaney (41) the team struggled throughout the run chase. Delaney batted well, but with her team in need of an acceleration in the scoreline, her steady inning came to an end holding out at mid off.
Orla Prendergast contributed late runs – her 26 off 23 balls featured three fours and a stunning six over the deep cover boundary – but the Typhoons lower order disappointed, losing 6-7 in just under three overs to be skittled out for 131.
Leading wicket-takers for the Scorchers were Lara Maritz (3-10) and Cara Murray (3-16). Leah Paul (2-38) also continued her bowling form from the recent Scotland T20I series where she picked 9 wickets at a brilliant average of 4.44.
The Scorchers' dominating 140-run victory has essentially handed them the 2021 Arachas Super 50 Cup title as they lead the competition 3-1 with one game to play.
MATCH SUMMARY
Scorchers v Typhoons, 5th Match Arachas Super 50 Cup, Malahide, 30 May 2021
Scorchers 271-5 (50 overs; G Lewis 115, S Kavanagh 34; Z Craig 1-9)
Typhoons 131 (31.3 overs; R Delaney 41; L Maritz 3-10, C Murray 3-16, L Paul 2-38)
Scorchers won by 140 runs
