The Blaze completed an extraordinary domestic treble by edging out Hampshire in a dramatic one‑day final that went down to the very last ball. The Trent Bridge‑based outfit had already lifted the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, and they now added the Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s title to their trophy cabinet, cementing a season of unprecedented success. The final was a roller‑coaster from the start.
Hampshire posted a competitive total of 251, thanks to a solid opening partnership and a series of aggressive half‑centuries. The Blaze, however, found themselves in a precarious position as the chase progressed, needing 17 runs from the final two overs and then just two runs off the very last delivery. It was Emma Jones who rose to the occasion, delivering an unbeaten 34 from 25 balls and striking the winning runs to seal the triumph. Her innings was supported by earlier contributions from Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss, both of whom had already reached fifty in the chase of 252.
The innings began with Lucy Higham delivering a spell‑binding performance with the ball, claiming 4‑49 and helping to keep Hampshire’s total in check. The opposition, who were also the runners‑up in 2025, managed to reach 251 thanks to the efforts of Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp, each of whom hammered a fifty. The Blaze won the toss and, through the tight, economical bowling of Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips, they restricted Hampshire to just 11 runs in the first five overs. This early pressure set the tone, but the home side’s opening pair – the in‑form Maia Bouchier and McCaughan – slowly turned the tide, forging an 84‑run partnership that steadied the innings.
McCaughan, in particular, displayed confidence, reaching her first half‑century since June with a series of crisp drives. Bouchier, who had been dismissed for a duck earlier in the tournament, was unable to continue her streak of centuries, falling to a long‑on catch after a lofted shot. Shortly thereafter, Georgia Adams attempted a powerful strike but was caught at mid‑off, both dismissals credited to Higham’s sharp fielding. The Blaze then settled into a more defensive stance as McCaughan and Kemp built a 67‑run stand during the middle overs, taking the score to 166‑2 by the 32nd over.
Yet the Blaze’s experience and composure began to surface, and they started to claw back into the contest. Higham’s impact continued as she claimed the third and fourth wickets of the innings. She executed a stumping of Kemp and induced a brilliant catch by Kirstie Gordon at mid‑on to dismiss Naomi Dattani. Gordon, who has taken 14 wickets in eight matches since returning from The Hundred, recorded her third four‑for in that span with figures of 4‑49.
Meanwhile, pacer Charley Phillips delivered a devastating spell, removing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in three consecutive overs, which caused Hampshire’s momentum to collapse and left them stranded at 251. When the Blaze began their chase, Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont took charge, dismantling the bowling attack over a 15‑over partnership that added 95 runs with apparent ease. Their aggressive intent was briefly checked when Wellington managed to spin out both Bryce sisters in a single over – Sarah was caught at deep square leg, and Kathryn was superbly taken at slip.
Beaumont, supported by Elwiss, kept the scoreboard ticking. The former England opener was fortunate, surviving three drops and a stumping chance, but her luck finally ran out when she was given out lbw to Wellington after scoring her fifth half‑century of the season. That wicket sparked a mini‑collapse, with three wickets falling in just 26 balls. With 30 runs still required, Gordon was caught, leaving the Blaze needing 17 from the final two overs.
Emma Jones then took control of the dying moments. She unleashed 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 composed. She finished the chase with a sweeping four on the very last delivery, securing a win that was as thrilling as it was hard‑earned. Her 34‑run unbeaten effort, combined with the earlier contributions from Beaumont and Elwiss, ensured The Blaze crossed the line with just a single run to spare.
The victory not only completed a domestic treble for The Blaze but also highlighted the depth and resilience of their squad. From Higham’s disciplined spell and Gordon’s wicket‑taking prowess to the finishing flair of Jones, the team displayed a blend of skill, temperament, and sheer determination. The match will be remembered as one of the most exciting finals in recent women’s cricket, showcasing the growing competitiveness and entertainment value of the domestic game. The Blaze’s achievement sets a new benchmark for excellence and provides a blueprint for future teams aiming to dominate across all formats.