GUILDFORD — Teenage batting sensation Jemima Spence produced a career-best innings to steer Surrey into the semi-finals of the Women's One-Day Cup, securing a thrilling 15-run victory over Durham in a must-win final group stage clash at Woodbridge Road.
The 18-year-old right-hander, playing with a maturity beyond her years, top-scored with a magnificent 96 from 118 deliveries, anchoring the Surrey innings and providing the platform for a competitive total of 248 for 8 from their allotted 50 overs.
In reply, Durham's chase was spearheaded by a defiant 73 from opener Emma Whiteman, but the visitors' effort ultimately fell short, bowled out for 233 in the 49th over. The result confirmed Surrey’s fourth-place finish in the standings, setting up a semi-final showdown with the Southern Vipers.
Spence's Stellar Knock Under Pressure
With Surrey needing a victory to guarantee progression, the pressure on the young squad was immense. After losing opener and captain Bryony Smith early, Spence walked to the crease with the score at 19 for 1. She immediately displayed a calm temperament, building crucial partnerships throughout the innings.
Her most significant stand was a 94-run alliance with South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk (45), which steadied the ship after a second wicket fell. Spence’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, blending deft touches with powerful drives, finding the boundary rope 11 times.
Surrey Head Coach, Jonathan Batty, was effusive in his praise for the young star, stating:
"Jemima's innings was simply outstanding. The composure she showed in a high-pressure situation, against a very good bowling attack, was a testament to her talent and hard work. She is a special player with a very bright future."
Spence fell agonizingly short of a deserved maiden List A century, caught in the deep in the 44th over attempting to accelerate the scoring. Her dismissal sparked a late flurry from the lower order, with Clare Boycott (23*) and Sophia Smale (16*) adding valuable runs to push the total towards 250.
Bowling Unit Seals the Deal
Defending 248, Surrey’s bowlers knew they had to be disciplined. They struck early blows, reducing Durham to 55 for 3, with Dani Gregory claiming the key wicket of England’s Bryony Dent for 12. However, Emma Whiteman and Australian all-rounder Phoebe Litchfield (41) rebuilt the innings with a stubborn 79-run partnership that threatened to take the game away from the hosts.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the 35th over when left-arm spinner Sophia Smale trapped Litchfield LBW. This breakthrough opened an end, and the Surrey attack capitalized brilliantly. The spin duo of Smale (2/42) and Hannah Jones (3/47) applied immense pressure through the middle overs, consistently taking wickets at critical junctures.
The required run rate began to climb, forcing the Durham batters into risky shots. The final wickets fell in a cluster as the pressure told, with the innings culminating in the 49th over when Jones clean bowled Katie Levick to spark jubilant celebrations among the Surrey players and supporters.
A Look Ahead to the Semi-Final Showdown
By securing fourth place, Surrey has booked a date with the defending champions and group stage winners, the Southern Vipers. The semi-final, to be played at the County Ground, Hove, promises to be a formidable challenge. The Vipers, packed with international experience, have been the standout team in the competition thus far.
Captain Bryony Smith acknowledged the challenge but emphasized her team's belief and momentum:
"We know the Vipers are a brilliant side, but we’re riding a wave of confidence now. To win a game like this, under that pressure, shows the character in this group. We’ll back ourselves to put in a performance."
The other semi-final will see The Blaze take on the Central Sparks. Surrey’s journey to the knockout stages has been built on a blend of youthful exuberance and key contributions from experienced players. Their success hinges on several critical factors:
- Top-Order Contributions: Spence, Smith, and de Klerk providing a platform.
- Spin Dominance: The effective partnership of Smale and Jones in the middle overs.
- Fielding Prowess: A sharp and energetic fielding unit creating pressure.
The victory not only secures a shot at the trophy but also serves as a significant milestone for the development of women's cricket in the county. The sight of a young local product like Spence delivering on the big stage is a powerful inspiration for the next generation of players.
Jemima Spence, still buzzing from her match-winning performance, summed up the team's emotion:
"It’s an unbelievable feeling. We knew what we had to do today, and to contribute to a win that gets us into the semi-finals is a dream. We’re not done yet; we’re going to give it everything against the Vipers."
The semi-final promises to be a thrilling contest, pitting Surrey’s exciting young talent against the Vipers’ proven pedigree. On the evidence of this knockout-stage-clinching performance, Surrey has proven it possesses the nerve and the skill to challenge any team in the country.