The Blaze completed an impressive domestic treble by edging out Hampshire in a dramatic one‑run finish to claim the Metro Bank One Day Cup women's tournament. The Trent Bridge‑based outfit had already added the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup to their trophy cabinet, but the One Day Cup final proved to be a true test of nerve.
With 17 runs required from the last two overs and the final ball needing just two runs, the match swung like a pendulum before Emma Jones stepped up and delivered an unbeaten 34 off 25 balls, sealing the win after Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss had already contributed solid half‑centuries in the chase of 252. The innings began with Lucy Higham delivering a game‑changing spell, claiming 4‑49 and helping to restrict the Hampshire batting line‑up to 251. Hampshire, who were also the runners‑up in the 2025 final, relied heavily on the contributions of Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp, both of whom posted fifties. After winning the toss, The Blaze opted to bowl, and their bowlers Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips imposed extreme economy, conceding just 11 runs in the first five overs.
This early pressure forced Hampshire’s openers, the in‑form Maia Bouchier and Ella McCaughan, to rebuild cautiously. Their partnership grew to 84 runs, with McCaughan hitting her first half‑century since June and Bouchier, after being dropped on a duck, missing the chance to notch a third consecutive century when she was caught on the boundary. The middle overs saw McCaughan and Kemp dominate, adding a 67‑run stand that took the score to 166‑2 by the 32nd over. However, The Blaze’s experience began to surface.
Higham struck again, delivering the third and fourth wickets of the innings by effecting a stumping on Kemp and a brilliant catch at mid‑on to dismiss Naomi Dattani, who had been a steady presence for Hampshire. Higham’s spell was part of a remarkable run of form for the spinner, who has taken 14 wickets in eight matches since returning from The Hundred, including three four‑wicket hauls.
Charley Phillips also made a vital impact, removing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove, and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in three consecutive overs, which caused Hampshire’s momentum to stall and left them stranded at 251. When the Blaze began their chase, the opening partnership of Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont set the tone, dismantling the bowling attack over a 15‑over spell and putting together a 95‑run stand with relative ease. Their aggressive intent put the required run rate well within reach. However, Wellington fought back for Hampshire, turning the tide by dismissing both Bryce sisters in a single over—Sarah was caught at deep square leg and her sister Kathryn was cleanly taken at slip.
Despite these setbacks, Beaumont, a former England opener, continued to anchor the innings, benefitting from a few lucky moments: she survived three drops and a potential stumping. Her composure paid off as she reached her fifth half‑century of the season, but her innings ended when she was given out lbw to Wellington, triggering a rapid collapse that saw three wickets fall in just 26 balls. With 30 runs still needed and the pressure mounting, The Blaze turned to Emma Jones, who had already contributed a quickfire 34.
Jones responded with a series of powerful shots—a reverse pull and a straight drive that raced to the boundary—bringing the required total down to 17 with two overs remaining. A run‑out on the third ball of the final over added to the drama, but Jones remained unfazed.
She continued to rotate the strike and find gaps, and when the final ball arrived, she executed a decisive sweep that raced to the boundary, securing the win for The Blaze. The victory not only completed a domestic treble for The Blaze but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad. Emma Jones’ clutch performance under pressure, Lucy Higham’s consistent wicket‑taking, and the aggressive start from Beaumont and Elwiss all combined to produce a memorable finale.
The match also underscored the competitive nature of women’s county cricket, with Hampshire showcasing resilience and skill despite falling short. The Blaze’s ability to recover from a precarious position—needing 17 from the last two overs—demonstrates their mental toughness and strategic acumen, qualities that will serve them well in future competitions. Beyond the immediate triumph, the treble win cements The Blaze’s status as a dominant force in English women’s cricket.
Their success across three formats—Twenty‑20, the Blast, and the One Day Cup—reflects a well‑balanced squad capable of adapting to varying game situations. The coaching staff’s decisions, such as the early use of Ballinger and Phillips to contain runs and the timing of Higham’s attacking spells, proved decisive. Moreover, the contributions from senior players like Beaumont and emerging talents such as Jones illustrate a healthy blend of experience and youth.
Looking ahead, The Blaze will aim to maintain this high standard, while Hampshire will regroup and analyse the narrow margins that decided the final. The close finish serves as a reminder that in cricket, a single over—or even a single ball—can change the outcome, making every run and wicket crucial. Fans of both sides can take pride in the quality of cricket displayed, and the sport as a whole benefits from such thrilling, high‑stakes encounters.
In summary, The Blaze’s triumph in the Metro Bank One Day Cup final, achieved through a combination of disciplined bowling, strategic batting partnerships, and a heroic finish by Emma Jones, completes an extraordinary domestic treble. The match will be remembered for its tension, the resilience shown by both teams, and the spectacular individual performances that defined the contest.