Dottin shines as Originals edge Superchargers in thriller

Northern Superchargers missed the chance to go top of the table, slipping to a narrow five-run defeat against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. The hosts, who climbed to third with the win, owed it to Deandra Dottin's blistering unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls.

Put in to bat, the Originals lost both openers Beth Mooney and Kathryn Bryce cheaply, with Kate Cross striking twice. Amelia Kerr and Seren Smale steadied briefly, but their dismissals left the side wobbling at 58 for 4 after 68 balls.

Dottin then took charge, arriving with 42 balls left and smashing nine boundaries (six fours and three sixes) in her whirlwind stay to lift the Originals to 117.

The target looked within reach when Phoebe Litchfield (31 off 27) and Alice Davidson-Richards (29 off 26) added 64 for the second wicket. Even after Litchfield's exit, the Superchargers needed only 43 from 39. But Kerr's double strike triggered a collapse of 4 for 17.

With 14 required off 10, Sophie Ecclestone had Bess Heath brilliantly caught by Dottin before Lauren Filer dismissed Cross, sealing a tense finish.

Brief scores:Manchester Originals Women 117/5 in 100 balls (Deandra Dottin 51*; Kate Cross 2-21) beat Northern Superchargers Women 112/7 in 100 balls (Phoebe Litchfield 31; Amelia Kerr 2-20, Sophie Ecclestone 2-21) by 5 runs.