The Blaze completed an extraordinary domestic treble by edging out Hampshire in a dramatic, last‑ball finish to claim the Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s title. Already the holders of the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, the Trent Bridge‑based side faced a steep climb in the final, needing 17 runs from the last two overs and then just two runs from the very last delivery.
Emma Jones rose to the occasion, remaining unbeaten on 34 off 25 balls and striking the decisive runs after Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss had already contributed half‑centuries in the chase of a formidable 252. The match began with Lucy Higham delivering a spell‑binding performance, taking 4‑49 and helping to keep Hampshire – the 2025 losing finalists – to a total of 251. Both Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp made valuable contributions, each reaching the fifty‑run mark. After winning the toss, The Blaze employed an ultra‑defensive opening strategy, with Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips conceding only 11 runs in the first five overs.
However, Hampshire’s opening partnership, featuring the in‑form Maia Bouchier and McCaughan, gradually shifted momentum, building an 84‑run stand that saw McCaughan notch her first half‑century since June. Bouchier, who had been dismissed for a duck earlier in the tournament, could not secure a third consecutive century; she was caught on the long‑on boundary shortly before Georgia Adams drove a straight ball to mid‑off, both dismissals credited to Higham. The middle overs saw McCaughan and Kemp dominate with a 67‑run partnership, taking the score to 166‑2 by the 32nd over. The Blaze, however, began to claw back into the game.
Higham claimed the third and fourth wickets of the innings, first by stumping Kemp and then by securing a brilliant catch of Naomi Dattani at mid‑on, taken by Kirstie Gordon. Gordon, who has taken 14 wickets in eight matches since returning from The Hundred, recorded her third four‑for of the season with figures of 4‑49. Charley Phillips added to Hampshire’s woes by removing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in three consecutive overs, further restricting the opposition’s total to 251. In response, Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont launched an aggressive counter‑attack, dismantling the Blaze bowlers over a 15‑over spell and putting on a 95‑run partnership with apparent ease.
Wellington attempted to stem the flow by dismissing both Bryce sisters in a single over – Sarah was caught at deep square leg and Kathryn fell spectacularly at slip. Beaumont, supported by Elwiss, continued to anchor the chase, enjoying a series of fortunate moments: she survived three drops and a stumping chance before finally being given out lbw to Wellington, which triggered a brief collapse of three wickets in 26 balls.
With 30 runs still required, Gordon fell caught, leaving the Blaze needing 17 from the final two overs. Emma Jones, the tournament’s most reliable finisher, steadied the ship. She unleashed a textbook reverse pull and a crisp straight drive that both raced to the boundary, and even after a run‑out on the third ball of the over, she kept her composure. The climax arrived on the very last ball of the match when Jones executed a sweeping four, sealing a nerve‑shredding win for The Blaze.
Beyond the statistics, the match illustrated the depth of talent within The Blaze squad and their ability to perform under pressure. Emma Jones’ unbeaten 34 demonstrated not only technical skill but also mental fortitude, as she navigated a high‑pressure chase with poise.
Tammy Beaumont’s half‑century, marked by three dropped catches, highlighted her experience and instinctive shot selection, while Georgia Elwiss provided crucial support, ensuring the run‑rate remained steady. The victory also underscored the strategic acumen of Blaze captaincy. The decision to employ a highly defensive opening spell paid dividends by restricting Hampshire’s early scoring, and the timely use of spinners and pacers to break key partnerships turned the tide. Lucy Higham’s four‑wicket haul, combined with Kirstie Gordon’s all‑round brilliance, showcased the team’s balanced attack, capable of both taking wickets and containing runs.
For Hampshire, the loss was a hard‑earned lesson in the fine margins of limited‑overs cricket. Despite strong performances from Bouchier, McCaughan and Kemp, the side fell short in the death overs, where The Blaze’s bowlers applied relentless pressure. The experience gained will be invaluable for the young players as they look to bounce back in future competitions. In summary, The Blaze’s triumph in the Metro Bank One Day Cup completes a historic domestic treble, cementing their status as the pre‑eminent force in women’s county cricket this season.
Their ability to adapt, execute under pressure, and finish matches with flair was on full display, providing fans with a thrilling finale and setting a benchmark for excellence in the women's game.