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#4 Sophia Dunkley gives Surrey Stars entry into the finals day

A moment from the Surrey Stars v Western Storm game

Surrey Stars have found their place in the finals day of the 2018 Kia Super League, by emerging on the top in a hotly-contested must-win game against the Western Storms.

A game which swung one way then the other on numerous occasions saw Stars who had to win to advance finally hold sway thanks to Dunkley’s cut over cover under the lights at the Kia Oval.

Batting first, Heather Knight (62 off 47) and Rachel Priest (30 off 20) were the chief contributors to Western Storms' effort of 158 for 5 in 20 overs. Star batswoman Smriti Mandhana disappointed for the first time in the entire season, getting dismissed for 5 runs via a needless run-out.

In reply, Lizelle Lee (48 off 28) and Bryony Smith (39 off 35) gave Surrey a rocking start, which went on to score 90 runs until the fifth ball of the tenth over. Afterwards came Nat Sciver (30 off 22) and Dane van Niekerk (25 off 22), who brought down the chase to 6 needed off 6 balls. Sophia Dunkley then struck a four in the very last ball, to carry Surrey over the finish line.

The two sides meet again in the finals day playoff match in eight days’ time.