SOUTHAMPTON — Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce stole the spotlight with a sensational bowling performance, taking 4-13 to lead The Blaze to a commanding victory over Hampshire Hawks in the Women's T20 Blast. The match, held at the Ageas Bowl, marked the much-anticipated debut of Australian superstar Ellyse Perry for Hampshire, but it was Bryce who emerged as the standout performer.
Bryce's disciplined spell dismantled Hampshire's batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total of 112-8 in their 20 overs. The Blaze chased down the target with ease, finishing at 113-3 in just 15.2 overs. Perry, playing her first match for Hampshire, managed only 12 runs with the bat and went wicketless in her two overs, conceding 15 runs.
Bryce's Masterclass with the Ball
Kathryn Bryce, who has been in scintillating form for Scotland in recent months, delivered a near-perfect bowling display. Her figures of 4-13 included the key wickets of Hampshire's top-order batters, effectively derailing their innings early on. Speaking after the match, Bryce said, "I just tried to stick to my strengths—hitting good areas and letting the pitch do the rest. It was one of those days where everything clicked."
Bryce's performance was particularly impressive given the context of the match. Facing a star-studded Hampshire lineup featuring Perry and England internationals like Maia Bouchier and Freya Kemp, she remained composed and executed her plans flawlessly. Her wickets included:
- Bouchier, caught behind for 18
- Kemp, bowled for 12
- Perry, trapped LBW for 12
- Emily Windsor, caught at mid-off for 5
Perry's Quiet Debut
Ellyse Perry, one of the most celebrated all-rounders in women's cricket, had a subdued start to her Hampshire career. Batting at No. 4, she struggled to find rhythm against Bryce's tight lines and was eventually dismissed LBW. With the ball, Perry bowled two overs but failed to make an impact, as The Blaze's batters targeted her for boundaries.
Hampshire coach Charlotte Edwards acknowledged Perry's quiet outing but remained optimistic: "Ellyse is a world-class player, and it's only a matter of time before she finds her groove. Today wasn't her day, but she'll bounce back stronger."
The Blaze's Clinical Chase
Chasing 113, The Blaze made light work of the target, thanks to a composed 45* from opener Tammy Beaumont and a quickfire 30 from Sarah Bryce, Kathryn's sister. The pair put on a 60-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively sealing the game before the halfway mark.
Beaumont, who was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten knock, praised Bryce's bowling: "Kathryn set the tone for us with those early wickets. It made our job so much easier knowing we were chasing a low total."
What This Means for the Tournament
The victory puts The Blaze in a strong position early in the Women's T20 Blast, while Hampshire will need to regroup quickly. With Perry still adjusting to English conditions, the Hawks will hope for a sharper performance in their next outing. Meanwhile, Bryce's form is a major boost for The Blaze, who look like genuine title contenders.
Key takeaways from the match:
- Bryce's 4-13 is the best bowling figures of the tournament so far.
- The Blaze's top order looks formidable with Beaumont and the Bryce sisters in form.
- Hampshire's middle order needs to step up to support Perry and Bouchier.
- The Blaze's bowling attack, led by Bryce, could be the difference-maker this season.
Looking Ahead
The Blaze will face Southern Vipers in their next match, while Hampshire Hawks take on Western Storm. All eyes will be on Perry to see if she can bounce back with a match-winning performance. As for Kathryn Bryce, she has firmly announced herself as one of the players to watch in this year's competition.
Reflecting on the win, Bryce said, "It's always special to perform like this, especially against such a strong team. But we're not getting ahead of ourselves—there's a long way to go in the tournament." With performances like this, The Blaze will be confident of going all the way.