DURHAM — The Blaze secured their place in the semi-finals of the Women's One-Day Cup with a composed four-wicket victory over a determined Durham side at Seat Unique Riverside.
Chasing a target of 229, The Blaze reached 232 for 6 with 21 balls to spare, underpinned by a magnificent, match-winning century from their South African international all-rounder, Nadine de Klerk, who finished unbeaten on 107.
The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and batting depth, successfully navigating a tricky period in the middle of their innings to book a last-four clash against either Southern Vipers or South East Stars, continuing their pursuit of domestic one-day glory.
De Klerk's Masterclass Seals the Deal
On a used pitch that offered something for both batters and bowlers, the outcome of the match often seemed in the balance. However, Nadine de Klerk played an innings of supreme intelligence and skill, anchoring the chase from the number five position.
Arriving at the crease with The Blaze at a precarious 63 for 3, she forged crucial partnerships, first adding 51 with Sarah Bryce (29) and then a decisive, unbroken 79-run stand with Josie Groves (22*) to see her side home. De Klerk's 107* came from 119 deliveries and included 11 boundaries.
Reflecting on her performance and the team's achievement, a delighted de Klerk said, "It was one of those days where everything just clicked. The pitch wasn't the easiest, so it was about building partnerships and taking it deep. The girls have worked incredibly hard all season, and to reach the semi-finals is a fantastic reward for that effort."
Durham's Battling Total Built on Middle-Order Grit
Having been put in to bat, Durham found themselves in early trouble against the disciplined new-ball attack of Kathryn Bryce and Grace Ballinger. The hosts slumped to 39 for 3, with key batter Lauren Winfield-Hill dismissed cheaply.
The innings was resurrected by a superb 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Scottish internationals Becky Glen (58) and skipper Kathryn Bryce’s sister, Sarah Bryce, who top-scored with a fluent 68 from 87 balls.
Their partnership provided the backbone of the innings, allowing the lower order to play with freedom towards the end. Useful contributions from Rachel Slater (20) and Rachel Hopkins (18*) helped Durham post a competitive, if perhaps slightly below-par, total of 228 for 8 from their 50 overs.
The Blaze's bowling was a collective effort, with key wickets shared around:
- Nadine de Klerk: 2/41 from her 10 overs
- Teresa Graves: 2/45 from 9 overs
- Kathryn Bryce: 1/38 from her full quota
Durham captain, Sarah Bryce, acknowledged her team's fight but conceded the Blaze were the better side on the day: "We fought hard to get to that total after a tough start, and we believed we could defend it. But Nadine played a brilliant knock. We threw everything at her, but she was just too good today."
Navigating the Chase and Looking Ahead
The Blaze's reply did not start smoothly. Durham's opening bowlers, Phoebe Turner and Rachel Slater, struck early blows to remove both openers, Marie Kelly and Ella Claridge, with just 36 runs on the board.
When captain Kathryn Bryce was trapped lbw by Australian off-spinner Erin Burns for 17, the home crowd sensed an opportunity. However, the experience and quality of de Klerk, combined with the composure of Sarah Bryce and later Josie Groves, gradually wrestled control back for the visitors.
A Sign of Championship Mentality
This victory underscored The Blaze's growing reputation as a clutch team in pressure situations. Their ability to recover from early setbacks with both bat and ball, and to have different players step up at critical moments, marks them as serious contenders for the title.
The team's fielding was also sharp throughout the Durham innings, applying constant pressure and preventing the hosts from building an even more formidable total during the middle overs.
Blaze coach, Chris Guest, praised his team's all-round performance: "I'm incredibly proud of the girls. It was a proper knockout game performance. We were clinical with the ball to restrict them after a good partnership, and then Nadine showed her class. That’s exactly what you need from your international players."
Semi-Final Prospects and Conclusion
With this victory, The Blaze have confidently advanced to the semi-final stage, where they will face a stern test against one of the competition's other powerhouse teams. Their balanced squad, featuring a mix of international stars and promising young English talent, makes them a formidable opponent for any side.
For Durham, their tournament journey ends at the quarter-final stage, but they can take great heart from a battling performance that pushed one of the favourites all the way. The foundation built by their core group of players suggests a bright future for the region.
The focus for The Blaze now shifts entirely to the semi-final. As Nadine de Klerk succinctly put it, "The job isn't done. This was a big win, but we want to go all the way. We'll enjoy this tonight, then our full focus is on the next challenge."
Based on this display of nerve and skill, The Blaze will enter the semi-finals with immense confidence, knowing they have the players and the temperament to handle the high-pressure environment of knockout cricket.