Kia Super League Mid-Tournament Review

 

Jenny Gunn now is the leading wicket taker in this year's Super League. ©Getty Images

Loughborough Lightning (19 points)

Many had Loughborough to miss out on a spot in the top three before the season. They sit top of the table after five games. They are level on points with Western Storm but have the better net run-rate.

They have a strong bowling unit who complement each other. Sophie Devine who is having a fantastic tournament with both bat and ball is the spearhead of the Lightning side. Every player has chipped in. Georgia Adams and Georgia Elwiss guided Loughborough Lightning home during their first match.

It is their spinners Kirstie Gordon, Lucy Higham, Linsey Smith and Sarah Glenn that keep things tight and pick up important wickets in the middle overs that mean they have been bowling teams out.

 

Smriti Mandhana recorded her maiden T20 century. ©Getty Images

Western Storm (19 points)

The West Country team went into the Super League as one of the favourites. They are the current champions and on performances, it looks hard to see past them holding onto their crown.

That being said they were well beaten by Surrey Stars at Cheltenham. The undoubtedly standout performer for them is Smriti Mandhana who has been smashing runs for fun and records in the process.

She scored a hundred in her last match against Lancashire Thunder at Emirates Old Trafford.

 

Nicole Bolton struck her maiden Super League half century. ©Lancashire Thunder/Twitter

Lancashire Thunder (13 points)

Before this season they had only won one Kia Super League match. Now, they have won three of their five games so far. Their only defeats have come against the leading two sides and both home games.

Alex Blackwell has turned things around, in part due to keeping faith with young players like Georgie Boyce and combining that with experienced internationals.

Harmanpreet Kaur may have had her tournament delayed by visa problems. She made up for that with a final over win against Surrey Stars. They have a small cushion over the teams behind them, but they should have enough to make their first finals day.

 

Sarah Taylor scored a Super League half century. ©Getty Images

Surrey Stars (7 points)

Tipped among many to be favourites to at least make finals day, the Stars have struggled. They beat Western Storm in convincing fashion but have not had much luck otherwise.

Natalie Sciver scored 95 not out against Lancashire Thunder but still finished on the losing team. The form of Sophia Dunkley with both bat and ball in the first two games was encouraging but they need more players to stand up.

They had a game against Yorkshire Diamonds washed out against Yorkshire Diamonds which they would have felt they could have won.

 

Lauren Winfield struck a half century. ©Getty Images

Yorkshire Diamonds (6 points)

They lost their first ever game against Lancashire Thunder this year. It was a game that hurt them. A win against local rivals is always important.

A Lauren Winfield 64 and 5 for 26 from Katherine Brunt against Southern Vipers shows that when their experienced players perform they can beat any team they face.

Delissa Kimmince has not quite worked with the ball but she did score 55 not out against Western Storm. Their batting has helped them post competitive scores, but they feel a bowler light to defend them.

 

Tammy Beaumont is sidelined due to concussion. ©Getty Images

Southern Vipers (4 points)

The most surprising aspect of this year's Super League is where Southern Vipers find themselves. They have won the group stages in the past two years and it was expected that would happen again. They have bundles of experience with some promising young players mixed in. This year it just hasn’t worked.

The form of Suzie Bates and Danni Wyatt is concerning but with players of their class, it can’t be too long until they find their touch. Southern Vipers will be hoping that that doesn’t come too late.

They have been missing Tammy Beaumont who has missed games because of a concussion sustained during a game at Liverpool. If she had batted in that game they may have beaten Lancashire Thunder and got their season going.