A thrilling semifinal unfolded recently in the Women’s T20 Blast, where Warwickshire Women edged past The Blaze Women with a remarkable 20-run victory, largely thanks to the standout performance of Issy Wong. With the weight of the match on her shoulders, Wong delivered a stellar all-round display by claiming 4 wickets for a mere 14 runs and then scoring a crucial 59 runs off 38 balls. Her explosive play not only led her team to victory but also secured their spot in the final against Surrey Women.
Warwickshire, batting first, managed to set a competitive target of 163 runs for The Blaze to chase, although they faced early challenges. The innings started with mixed fortunes; opener Meg Austin made a modest contribution of 14, while her partner Davina Perrin fell for just 1 run. Things took a turn for the better when Wong joined forces with Sterre Kalis, forming a partnership that would become the backbone of their innings. Together, they put on a vital 64-run stand that showcased both aggressive and sensible batting.
Wong was on the attack right from the get-go, showcasing her aggressive style that cricket fans love. Her 59 runs came at a brisk pace, but it was Kalis who anchored the innings with a steady 45 runs off 33 balls. Unfortunately, the middle order didn’t deliver as expected, with Laura Harris departing for a duck and Natasha Wraith managing only 4 runs. It looked precarious for Warwickshire, but Emily Arlott stepped up, remaining not out on 29—even as the lower order crumbled—helping them cross the 160-run mark and setting a challenging target for The Blaze.
In response, The Blaze had a rocky start, losing star player Tammy Beaumont for a duck, raising concerns among their supporters. However, Marie Kelly quickly shifted momentum with a brisk 35 runs off 20 balls. She forged a promising 55-run partnership with Georgia Elwiss, who played the anchor role with a composed 53 runs off 45 balls. Just when it appeared The Blaze might take control, a middle-order collapse dashed their hopes, and despite efforts from skipper Kirstie Gordon (15 off 10) and Sarah Glenn (19 off 12), the innings crumbled, folding at 143 runs in 19.1 overs.
The relentless Warwickshire bowling attack, led by Wong’s magnificent spell of 4 wickets for 14 runs in just 3.1 overs, was unyielding throughout the chase. Support came from Millie Taylor, who bagged 3 wickets for 20 runs, along with Emily Arlott and Georgia Davis, who maintained pressure on the batting side.
Issy Wong’s exceptional all-round performance, featuring a blistering 59 with the bat and lethal bowling, earned her the Player of the Match award—a recognition she truly deserved. This emphatic victory not only marked an important win for Warwickshire but also set the stage for an exciting final against Surrey Women, a clash that drew attention from cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
With emotions running high and stakes at their peak, fans eagerly anticipate a gripping showdown in the final, hoping their favorite team can rise to the occasion once more.
Image Source: Issy Wong @ Instagram
