The Blaze completed a remarkable domestic treble by edging out Hampshire in a nail‑biting, last‑ball finish to claim the Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s title. The Trent Bridge‑based side had already lifted the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup earlier in the season, and this final win cemented their dominance across all three major domestic competitions. The climax of the final was a true roller‑coaster.
Hampshire posted a formidable total of 251 runs, a score that seemed comfortably out of reach for many teams. The Blaze, however, were forced to dig deep when they found themselves needing 17 runs from the last two overs and then just two runs from the very last delivery. It was Emma Jones who rose to the occasion, remaining unbeaten on 34 off 25 balls and striking the decisive runs that secured the trophy.
Her innings capped a chase that had already seen Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss each compile half‑centuries in the pursuit of the 252‑run target. The innings began with Lucy Higham delivering a game‑changing spell for The Blaze. Higham’s figures of 4‑49 helped restrict Hampshire, who were also the runners‑up in the 2025 edition, to 251.
The opposition’s batting was anchored by Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp, both of whom produced aggressive fifties. After winning the toss, The Blaze employed a highly defensive opening spell, with Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips conceding just 11 runs in the first five overs – a testament to their miserly approach.
Despite the early pressure, Hampshire’s opening partnership of Maia Bouchier and Ella McCaughan began to steady the ship. The pair compiled an 84‑run stand, with McCaughan confidently finding the boundary for her first half‑century since June. Bouchier, who had been dropped for a duck earlier, could not extend her run of centuries; she was caught on the long‑on boundary shortly after Georgia Adams struck a straight drive to mid‑off, both dismissals falling to Higham.
The middle overs saw McCaughan and Kemp dominate, adding a 67‑run partnership that took the score to 166‑2 by the 32nd over. At this juncture, The Blaze’s experience and tactical acumen began to shine. Higham claimed the third and fourth wickets of the innings, first by stumping Kemp and then by effecting a brilliant catch of Naomi Dattani at mid‑on, taken by spinner Kirstie Gordon.
Gordon’s spell was nothing short of spectacular; since returning from The Hundred she had taken 14 wickets in eight matches, and her 4‑49 in this final marked her third four‑for in that period. Pacer Charley Phillips also made a decisive impact, removing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in three consecutive overs.
Hampshire’s batting collapsed under the pressure, and they were unable to add beyond 251. When The Blaze began their chase, Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont took charge, dismantling the bowling attack over a 15‑over spell. The duo stitched together a 95‑run partnership with apparent ease, pushing the required total into a more manageable range. However, Wellington fought back, spinning a crucial over that saw both Bryce sisters dismissed – Sarah was caught at deep square leg and Kathryn fell spectacularly at slip.
Beaumont, supported by Georgia Elwiss, kept the run rate steady. The former England opener was unusually fortunate, surviving three dropped catches and a stumping opportunity. Her luck finally ran out when she was given out lbw to Wellington, a dismissal that triggered a mini‑collapse as three wickets fell in the space of 26 balls. With 30 runs still required, Kirstie Gordon was caught, leaving the side needing 17 from the final two overs.
Emma Jones then took control of the dying moments. She unleashed a reverse pull and a straight drive that both sailed to the boundary, reducing the equation dramatically. Even after a run‑out on the third ball of the final over, Jones remained composed.
On the very last delivery, she executed a sweeping four that sealed the victory for The Blaze, completing a dramatic finish that will be remembered for years. The triumph not only gave The Blaze the coveted domestic treble but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad. Key contributions came from both seasoned internationals and emerging players, illustrating a balanced blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
The win also underscores the strategic brilliance of the coaching staff, who managed resources effectively across three demanding competitions. Looking ahead, The Blaze will aim to build on this historic season, maintaining their high standards and continuing to develop their roster of talented cricketers. The domestic treble stands as a testament to their resilience, skill, and unyielding competitive spirit, setting a benchmark for other counties to aspire to in future campaigns.