In a nail-biting match, Nadine de Klerk delivered a match-winning performance in the final over to secure a three-run victory for The Blaze against reigning champions Southern Vipers in the first match of the Charlotte Edwards Cup. The Vipers, needing 10 runs to win, faltered under the pressure as de Klerk took two crucial wickets to seal the win for The Blaze. The two-time champions, Vipers will be looking for revenge in this year's competition after losing to The Blaze in the final last year.
The 2024 Vitality Blast season is set to kick off in a big way with a four-day festival of T20 cricket featuring seven double headers. The opening day will see reigning champions Southern Vipers and runners-up Hampshire Hawks in action, along with Central Sparks and Durham. The highlight of the schedule is a rematch of this year's final between Somerset and Essex on Friday, while the only matches on Saturday will be a marquee double header at Edgbaston featuring Birmingham Bears and Notts Outlaws. The weekend will conclude with two more double headers, featuring reigning T20 champions South East Stars and Surrey at The Kia Oval.