Sophia Dunkley Shines with Stunning Century Despite Agonizing Defeat for South East Stars
Sophia Dunkley responded to her exclusion from the recent England squads in the most emphatic fashion, scoring a magnificent century for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Despite her team’s heartbreaking three-run loss against Northern Diamonds, Dunkley’s stunning 130-run innings off just 136 balls was a statement of intent.
Since the start of 2023, the talented batswoman had managed just one half-century in 22 international appearances across all formats. However, on this occasion, she was back to her best, hitting eight boundaries and a solitary six during her sparkling century.
Dunkley’s superb knock came in an agonizing defeat, as the Stars fell just three runs short of the women’s List A world-record run chase of 312. Despite the result, the England hopeful remained upbeat, acknowledging the team’s valiant effort in getting so close to the target.
Elsewhere in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy:
Central Sparks skipper Eve Jones produced an incredible unbeaten century to lead her side to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Thunder. Jones’ 136 not out, the highest individual score ever recorded at Old Trafford, steered Sparks to a last-gasp win, despite the hosts posting a formidable 284-7 in their innings.
Sunrisers also secured a narrow triumph over defending champions Southern Vipers, with Flo Miller’s unbeaten 47 proving decisive in the final over.
Meanwhile, South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk’s magnificent unbeaten 106 helped The Blaze overcome Western Storm by four wickets in a high-scoring encounter.
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