Durham Cricket went down by 66 runs in their opening fixture in the Gulf Cup at the Vision Ground, Sharjah against Defenders Cricket Club.
This year Durham are represented by a team of girls from Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria as this is the first time in which an elite group of female cricketers from our region will compete in the international competition
Having won the toss, Durham got off to a strong start with the ball, restricting Defenders Cricket Club to 22 runs from the first six overs.
Ciara Boaden forced the first wicket to run out opening batsman Faisur Rahman for 12, reducing the hosts to 53 for the first wicket. Aryan Vathi showed his resistance, with a well-made 67 from 66 balls with seven fours and one six, before he fell to a direct hit from Layla Tipton.
Tipton (2/29), Ellie Tiffin (2/47) both struck with the ball, while Bailey Wanless and Lucy Hughes claimed one wicket apiece as the home side amassed 195/8 from 30 overs.
Defenders bowled tight from the off and kept Durham under the rate required as openers Yash Chainai and Param Jani bowled well in the opening powerplay.
Durhan lost wickets throughout while Boaden steadied the ship with 16 from 24 balls backed by 10 from Harriet Robson.
Captain Helen Fenby (25*) and Ellie Tiffin (16) proved key in the middle as Durham looked to reach a respectable position, closing on 128/8 from 30 overs and falling to a 66-run defeat in their opening competition game.