The Blaze completed an extraordinary domestic treble by eking out a last‑ball win against Hampshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup women's final. Already the holders of the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, the Trent Bridge‑based side were forced to summon every ounce of resolve when they found themselves needing 17 runs from the final two overs and just two runs from the very last delivery. Emma Jones rose to the occasion, delivering an unbeaten 34 off 25 balls and striking the decisive runs after Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss had already laid solid foundations with half‑centuries in the chase of 252. The match began with Lucy Higham delivering a game‑changing spell, claiming 4‑49 and helping to keep Hampshire – who were also the 2025 runners‑up – to a total of 251.
Both Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp contributed aggressive fifties, setting a competitive target. After winning the toss, The Blaze employed a tight opening strategy, with Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips conceding only 11 runs in the first five overs, a testament to disciplined, economical bowling.
Hampshire’s opening partnership, however, began to shift momentum. Maia Bouchier, in scintillating form, partnered with McCaughan for an 84‑run stand that steadied the innings after an early duck for Bouchier.
McCaughan, confident and aggressive, reached her first half‑century since June, dispatching the ball around the ground with ease. The partnership laid the groundwork for a competitive total, though Bouchier was unable to convert her start into a third consecutive century, falling to a long‑on catch that sent the ball straight to Higham. The middle overs saw McCaughan and Kemp dominate, compiling a 67‑run partnership that propelled Hampshire to 166‑2 by the 32nd over. At this juncture, The Blaze’s experience and tactical acumen began to surface.
Higham, the day’s standout bowler, claimed the third and fourth wickets, first stumping Kemp and then dismissing Naomi Dattani with a brilliant catch by Kirstie Gordon at mid‑on. Gordon, a spinner who has taken 14 wickets in eight matches since returning from The Hundred, recorded her third four‑wicket haul of the season with figures of 4‑49. Meanwhile, pacer Charley Phillips delivered a rapid three‑over spell, removing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in successive deliveries, which caused Hampshire’s momentum to stall and left them stranded at 251.
In response, the chase was anchored by Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont, who dismantled the Blaze’s bowling attack over a 15‑over partnership, adding 95 runs with relative ease. Their aggressive intent put the required run rate back under control. However, Wellington fought back for Hampshire, taking two crucial wickets in a single over – Bryce’s sister was caught deep square, and Kathryn Bryce was superbly taken at slip. Beaumont, the former England opener, continued to anchor the innings, surviving three dropped catches and a stumping chance, before finally being given out lbw to Wellington after scoring her fifth half‑century of the season.
Her dismissal triggered a brief collapse, with three wickets falling in just 26 balls, leaving the Blaze needing 30 runs with only a few wickets in hand. Gordon’s wicket fell next, further tightening the equation to 17 runs required from the final two overs. Emma Jones stepped up, displaying composure and power.
She struck a spectacular reverse pull and a clean straight drive, both finding the boundary. Even after a run‑out on the third ball of the final over, Jones remained unfazed, guiding The Blaze to the finish line with a sweeping four on the very last ball of the match. The dramatic conclusion secured the Metro Bank One Day Cup title and completed a historic treble for The Blaze, underscoring their dominance across all three major domestic competitions. The victory not only highlighted individual brilliance – from Higham’s four‑for, Gordon’s spin mastery, to Jones’s clutch finishing – but also showcased the depth and resilience of the Blaze squad.
Their ability to recover from precarious positions, adapt tactics on the fly, and execute under pressure epitomizes championship‑winning teams. The treble cements The Blaze’s status as the pre‑eminent force in women’s county cricket, and the final‑ball thriller will be remembered as a testament to their fighting spirit and skill. Looking ahead, the Blaze will aim to maintain this high standard in upcoming fixtures, while other counties will study their blend of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and strategic field placements. For Hampshire, despite the disappointment of a narrow defeat, the performances of Bouchier, McCaughan, and Kemp provide a solid foundation to build upon for future campaigns.
The match also highlighted the growing competitiveness and excitement within women’s domestic cricket, promising an engaging season ahead for fans and players alike.