LONDON — Surrey continued their dominant run in the Women's T20 Blast with a commanding victory over Durham, securing their fourth consecutive win, while Lancashire Thunder edged out Birmingham Bears in a thrilling five-run finish.
Surrey’s Unstoppable Form
Surrey’s women’s team extended their unbeaten streak in the T20 Blast with a comprehensive win over Durham at the Kia Oval. Batting first, Surrey posted a formidable total of 165/4, thanks to a blistering half-century from opener Bryony Smith (58 off 42 balls) and a quickfire 39* from Alice Capsey.
Durham’s chase never gained momentum as Surrey’s bowlers applied relentless pressure. Freya Davies (2/18) and Sophia Dunkley (2/23) were the standout performers, restricting Durham to 128/7 in their 20 overs. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt praised her team’s all-round performance, stating, "We’re executing our plans perfectly, and the confidence in the squad is sky-high."
Key Moments:
- Bryony Smith’s 58 set the tone for Surrey’s innings.
- Freya Davies’ early breakthroughs derailed Durham’s chase.
- Alice Capsey’s late flourish ensured a competitive total.
Thunder Hold Nerve Against Bears
In another thrilling encounter, Lancashire Thunder secured a narrow five-run victory over Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston. Thunder posted 142/7, with Emma Lamb top-scoring with a gritty 47. Bears’ Sophie Devine (3/22) was the pick of the bowlers, but Thunder’s lower order contributed crucial runs.
Bears’ chase was anchored by Amy Jones (45), but Thunder’s disciplined bowling, led by Sophie Ecclestone (2/19) and Kate Cross (2/25), kept the pressure on. The match went down to the wire, with Bears needing 12 off the final over, but Thunder held their nerve to restrict them to 137/6.
Ecclestone, named Player of the Match, said, "It was a real team effort. We knew we had to bowl tight lines, and the fielders backed us up brilliantly. These close wins build character."
Turning Points:
- Emma Lamb’s 47 provided Thunder with a solid foundation.
- Ecclestone’s double-wicket over shifted momentum.
- Bears’ middle-order collapse proved costly.
Standings and Looking Ahead
With this win, Surrey remain atop the South Group with a perfect record, while Thunder’s victory keeps them in contention in the North Group. Durham and Bears, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to stay in the playoff race.
Next up, Surrey face a tough test against Southern Vipers, while Thunder take on Northern Diamonds in another crucial clash. As the tournament heats up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.
Surrey’s coach, Jonathan Batty, summed up the mood: "We’re taking it one game at a time, but the belief in this group is incredible. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum."