Blaze wait on Rachael Heyhoe Flint semi-final spot

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Queen's Park, Chesterfield

The Blaze 166 (46.5 overs): Kirk 36, K Bryce 33; Potts 3-38

Central Sparks 170-5 (41.2 overs): George 57*; Gordon 2-24

The Blaze near nan doorway to nan semi-finals unfastened arsenic they mislaid their last Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy qualifying group crippled to Central Sparks astatine Chesterfield.

Victory for nan Nottingham-based broadside would person secured a semi-final spot alongside Northern Diamonds, South East Stars and Southern Vipers adjacent Saturday.

But nan Charlotte Edwards Cup holders tin now still beryllium caught by Sunrisers, who will spell done alternatively if they tin extremity a tally of 3 consecutive defeats and hit nan already-qualified Vipers, nan defending champions, connected their ain spot astatine Southampton.

Katie George was nan prima pinch an unbeaten match-winning 57 arsenic Sparks marked their last quality nether that banner to daze The Blaze by completing a five-wicket victory.

After being asked to bat first, The Blaze were bowled retired for 166.

They were missing Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast because of nan white-ball bid against England, which besides deprived nan Sparks of starring wicket-taker Hannah Baker.

But, aft losing Sarah Bryce, caught astatine constituent successful Grace Potts’ opening over, they were anchored by a 63-run second-wicket guidelines betwixt Michaela Kirk, pinch a season’s-best 36, and Kathryn Bryce (33).

Sparks seamer Potts produced a List A-best 3-38, backed by 2 wickets each for Charis Pavely, Emily Arlott and Hannah Hardwick.

On her maiden List A quality - and only her 2nd crippled for nan Sparks - Worcestershire's promising 20-year-old seamer Hardwick was connected a hat-trick aft taking nan wickets of Teresa Graves and Lucy Higham.

Sparks were past successful worse problem arsenic they slumped from 28-0 to 43-3 successful nan 10th over, but George and Chloe Brewer (22) upped nan tempo successful a guidelines of 55, to time off nan visitors connected 110-4 astatine halfway, only needing different 57.

But Pavely (13 not out) stayed pinch George successful an unbroken 53-run guidelines to get nan occupation done pinch 52 balls to spare.

Saturday, 7 September

Chester-le-Street: Northern Diamonds v South East Stars

Taunton: Western Storm v Lancashire Thunder

Southampton: Southern Vipers v Sunrisers

Saturday, 14 September

Semi-Finals Day: Venues to beryllium confirmed

Saturday, 21 September

Final: County Ground, Leicester

All games 10:30 BST