According to a press release by Cricket Ireland, a strong batting performance led by skipper and player of the match Gaby Lewis, along with impressive bowling performance, powered the Scorchers to their first victory at the Arachas Super 50 Cup at Pembroke Cricket Club on Sunday.

Three wickets each to Scorchers’ Cara Murray (3-39) and Leah Paul (3-42), supported by an impressive fielding performance saw their team defend their total of 221-5.

The Typhoons started their chase strongly as Rachel Delaney (21) and Rebecca Stokell (20) put up a 44-run opening partnership. Typhoons skipper Laura Delany (24) threatened to fire up the scoreboard before she was stumped courtesy of a smart piece of keeping by Shauna Kavanagh.

The blues innings drifted in the middle overs, however Louise Little (42) and Celeste Raack (40*) added a 74 run stand which was well paced. Unfortunately, Little failed to record her maiden half-century. She appeared very confident while her innings progressed before she launched a ball only to get caught at cover by Gaby Lewis.

The Scorchers bowlers put up a sharp display right from the outset, Sophie MacMahon’s (1-23) opening spell kept the scoring rate at check, while Lara Maritz (0-28) displayed pace and accuracy to the fore. However, the most threatening pair of the day were Ashlee King (1-36) who after finding extra pace and bounce unsettled many of the Typhoons batters, and Cara Murray who bowled her leg spin with increased speed and improved accuracy.

Earlier in the day the Scorchers openers Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul gave their side a flying start with a 74-run opening partnership in just over 16 overs. A tight run out had Paul depart on 16, whereas Lewis followed her shortly for 60.

Shauna Kavanagh then led the fightback with 48. Sophie MacMahon (38*) and Lara Maritz (20*) shared an unbeaten 42-run stand to guide the Scorchers to 221-5 from their 50 overs.

Typhoons bowlers, Laura Delany 1-17 and Orla Prendergast 1-48 did a fine job, while Ava Canning remained wicketless, but her 0-29 off 10 overs was significant in keeping the Scorchers total in check.

At the end, it was the Scorchers' performance with the ball that made all the difference. However, the result assured a highly competitive series moving forward.

Gaby Lewis was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

MATCH SUMMARY

Scorchers v Typhoons, 1st Match Arachas Super 50 Cup, Dublin, 25 April 2021

Scorchers 221-5 (50 overs; G Lewis 60, S Kavanagh 48 ; L Delany 1-17)

Typhoons 207-9 (50 overs; xL Little 42, C Raack 40*; C Murray 3-39)