BIRMINGHAM — The Blaze continued their dominant run in the Women's T20 Blast with a commanding five-wicket victory over Lancashire Thunder, while Hampshire Hawks edged past Somerset by five runs in a thrilling encounter to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Blaze Extend Unbeaten Streak
The Blaze, led by captain Kirstie Gordon, showcased their all-round strength at Edgbaston, restricting Lancashire Thunder to 118/8 before chasing down the target with 11 balls to spare. Thunder's innings never gained momentum, with only Emma Lamb (34 off 28) and Fi Morris (25 off 23) offering resistance against a disciplined Blaze attack.
Key performances for The Blaze included:
- Sarah Glenn (2/18 in 4 overs) – The leg-spinner dismantled Thunder's middle order with her variations.
- Kathryn Bryce (37* off 32) – Held the chase together with a composed unbeaten knock.
- Marie Kelly (28 off 21) – Provided early momentum in the powerplay.
Post-match, Gordon praised her team's adaptability: "We've built a squad that can handle any situation. Today, the bowlers set the tone, and the batters finished clinically. That's the sign of a balanced side."
Hampshire Hawks Hold Nerve in Nail-Biter
At Taunton, Hampshire Hawks defended 147/6 against Somerset in a match that went down to the final over. Needing 12 off the last six balls, Somerset fell short despite Sophie Luff's valiant 44* (38), thanks to Linsey Smith's clutch bowling (2/22) under pressure.
Turning Points
The game swung on two critical moments:
- Georgia Adams' 51 off 39 – The Hawks' opener anchored the innings after early wickets.
- Freya Kemp's 19th over – The seamer conceded just 4 runs, leaving Somerset with too much to do in the final over.
Somerset captain Nat Wraith rued missed opportunities: "We had them at 60/4 but let it slip. Credit to Hampshire—they held their nerve when it mattered."
Standings and Playoff Race
With this win, The Blaze (6 wins in 7 games) solidified their top spot, while Hampshire Hawks (4 wins) climbed to third. Thunder and Somerset remain in the bottom half, needing quick turnarounds to stay in contention.
Upcoming fixtures to watch:
- Blaze vs. Southern Vipers – A top-of-the-table clash on June 15.
- Hampshire Hawks vs. South East Stars – A must-win for both teams on June 16.
Conclusion
The Blaze's consistency makes them title favorites, but Hampshire's resilience keeps the playoff race wide open. As Gordon noted, "Every game is a final now. We're taking nothing for granted." With three rounds left, the battle for the top four promises fireworks.