Durham faced off against Somerset in a highly anticipated match of the Women’s T20 Blast, where both teams were vying for a desperately needed victory as they lingered toward the bottom of the points table. Meanwhile, in another exciting encounter, The Blaze, captained by Kirstie Gordon, took on Hampshire, led by Georgia Adams.
The excitement was palpable at Chester-le-Street as Durham’s opening pair, Emma Marlow and Suzie Bates, set the stage with a brisk 50-run partnership. Their aggressive start came after Somerset’s skipper, Sophie Luff, won the toss and elected to bowl first—a strategic decision in pursuit of early breakthroughs. However, it wasn’t until the final over of the powerplay that Chloe Skelton delivered the first blow, dismissing Marlow for 18 runs.
Following Marlow’s exit, skipper Hollie Armitage joined Bates at the crease. Together, they crafted a vital 36-run partnership that seemed to cement Durham’s resolve as the innings progressed. Unfortunately, their momentum was halted when Alex Griffiths struck, claiming Bates for 48 runs—just two shy of a half-century—in the 11th over.
With the scoreboard ticking, Maddy Villiers stepped in alongside Armitage, and the two forged another crucial partnership worth 49 runs for the third wicket. However, Armitage’s innings came to an abrupt end due to a run-out in the 18th over, leaving her with 41 runs. Villiers, exhibiting resilience, finished the innings not out at 39 runs, helping Durham post a commendable total of 154 runs for 4 wickets after 20 overs. Somerset’s Skelton and Griffiths each claimed a wicket but struggled to contain Durham’s well-timed innings.
In reply, Somerset eyed the target of 155 runs but ultimately fell short, ending their innings at 148 runs for 7 wickets. Despite a solid 37-run start from Niamh Holland and Rebecca Odgers, and a critical 53-run partnership between Jess Hazell and Odgers, Durham’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure. Maddy Villiers and Sophia Turner each took two wickets, leading their side to a thrilling victory by just six runs.
Meanwhile, at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield, The Blaze began their innings against Hampshire with high spirits after their captain, Georgia Adams, opted to bat first. The opening duo of Marie Kelly and Georgia Elwiss set an electrifying pace, pushing the run rate comfortably over ten an over. However, Freya Davies quickly turned the tide for Hampshire, claiming the early wicket of Kelly within the second over.
The Blaze soon faced a mini collapse, scraping to 49 runs for 4 wickets in the powerplay. But when Heather Graham joined Ella Claridge at the crease, the game turned around. The two batters formed a much-needed partnership, amassing 76 runs for the fifth wicket, which propelled them past 120 runs. Graham showcased a dazzling display, scoring 73 runs off 47 balls before being dismissed by Ellyse Perry, yet not before she had ensured a strong total.
As the innings concluded, The Blaze reached a substantial 188 runs for 6 wickets in their allotted overs. Claridge remained unbeaten on 51 runs, giving her team a power-packed finish that would put pressure on Hampshire’s run chase. On Hampshire’s bowling side, Perry and Davies both made crucial contributions by snagging two wickets each, but it was still not enough.
Facing a daunting target of 189 runs, Hampshire’s batting order collapsed under the pressure set forth by The Blaze’s bowlers. As the innings waned, they found themselves all out for just 151 runs with 11 balls remaining, falling significantly short by 37 runs. The highlight of their innings came from Rhianna Southby, who scored 64 runs off 42 balls. Yet, it was Kathryn Bryce’s impressive 4-wicket haul that sealed the deal for The Blaze, alongside a noteworthy performance from Kirstie Gordon.
Both games were a testament to the rising level of competition in women’s cricket, showcasing skilled playing, tight matches, and the thrilling unpredictability that fans cherish. As teams continue to strive for victories, each match tells a unique story, connecting players and fans alike through shared passion and resilience.
Image Source: Kathryn Bryce @ Instagram
