July 16 witnessed another thrilling chapter in the unfolding saga of the 2025 Women’s T20 Blast. The day started with a nail-biting opener where Lancashire Women etched out a hard-fought 4-wicket victory against Essex Women. This win highlighted not only their depth in talent but also the unshakeable nerves they displayed during the chase. Unfortunately, the second match featuring The Blaze Women and Somerset Women faced more than just the competition; relentless rain washed away what could have been an exciting contest, leaving everyone disappointed and with no result.
Looking at the points table, it reveals a compelling narrative of the season so far. Lancashire’s recent triumph has propelled them to fourth place with 29 points, keeping their playoff ambitions alive and well. On the flip side, Essex Women find themselves struggling in the lower echelons of the table, languishing with a mere 15 points. Meanwhile, The Blaze, proving to be consistent competitors, sit comfortably in second place with 38 points. Somerset Women, however, are still seeking their footing, hanging in last place with only 8 points to their name.
The first match of the day, Match 51, saw Lancashire Women overcome early nerves to secure a well-deserved victory against a faltering Essex Women. Batting first, Essex began in disarray, losing both their star openers, Lauren Winfield-Hill and captain Grace Scrivens, for ducks within the opening overs, a shaky launch that dramatically disrupted their momentum. It was left to the middle-order to revive their innings. Cordelia Griffith attempted to ignite a counterattack, scoring a brisk 15 off 12 balls before being dismissed.
As the pressure mounted, it fell on Madeline Penna and Alice Macleod to stabilize the innings. Penna exhibited class and patience with a steady 22 off 27 balls, while Macleod injected some urgency, scoring a quick 23 off 19. Sophia Smale managed a stubborn unbeaten 10, but unfortunately, the remainder of the batting lineup crumbled, leaving Essex with a meager total of 107 all out—a score that felt inadequate given the bowler-friendly conditions.
Lancashire’s bowlers were sharp, disciplined, and relentless. Mahika Gaur spearheaded the attack with an impressive 3 wickets for 22 runs. Tara Norris also made her presence felt, securing 2 for 22 in just 3 overs, while Alana King proved instrumental in controlling the middle overs, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 from her allocation of 4 overs.
In their response, Lancashire’s chase began cautiously; however, opener Eve Jones took charge, anchoring the innings with a composed and confident approach. Her finely-tuned innings of 59 off 58 deliveries provided the backbone for a successful pursuit. Despite a mini-collapse in the middle—losing Seren Smale for 5, Tilly Kesteven for 9, and Ailsa Lister for a mere 1—Jones kept Lancashire’s hopes alive.
Captain Eleanor Threlkeld then stepped up, contributing a steady 20 off 24 balls, providing crucial run support as the finish line approached. Alana King, once again proving her worth, contributed a calm, unbeaten 7 as Lancashire crossed the target in 19.5 overs, finishing at 108 for 6. While Essex’s bowlers fought valiantly—Madeline Penna impressively bagging 2 for 11 in 2 overs and Sophia Smale taking 1 for 15 in 2.5 overs—the lack of scoreboard pressure ultimately cost them in the end.
With this win, Lancashire has put themselves in a stronger position for a top-four finish, now sitting on 29 points. Meanwhile, Essex’s struggles continue as they remain second from the bottom, grappling to turn their fortunes around.
Match 52 featured The Blaze Women against Somerset Women, with The Blaze setting a competitive total of 138 without ever being able to see it through, as rain abruptly ended hopes for an exhilarating chase.
The Blaze started on a challenging note, losing skipper Marie Kelly for just 4 runs. The top and middle order consolidated under pressure, with Georgia Elwiss anchoring the innings with a steady 35 off 34 balls. Kathryn Bryce and Heather Graham contributed 14 off 13 and 12 off 13, respectively, but The Blaze struggled to find the rhythm they desperately needed. Michaela Kirk lit up the innings just when it looked bleak, with a quickfire 24 off 17 balls, and Lucy Higham capped off their efforts with a rapid 22 off just 12. Despite a wobble in the lower order, they managed to secure a total of 138.
Somerset’s bowlers had their moments, with Olivia Barnes taking 3 wickets for just 12 runs, while Chloe Skelton and Erin Vukusic also made crucial breakthroughs with their own wickets.
Unfortunately, as both teams geared up for what promised to be an exhilarating chase, the rain made its unwelcome return. With the heavens opening up, conditions worsened, leading to the inevitable abandonment of the second innings. Both sides left the pitch frustrated, but The Blaze now sit second on the table with 38 points. Somerset, meanwhile, remains in the doldrums, still searching for their first win of the tournament while standing firmly at the bottom with only 8 points.
As we navigate through the highs and lows of this tournament, fans have so many layers to explore, with fierce rivalries, budding stars, and the unyielding spirit of female cricket on full display.
Image Source: Grace Scrivens @ Instagram
