The Blaze completed an extraordinary domestic treble by narrowly defeating Hampshire in a nail‑biting finale to claim the Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s title. This triumph added to their earlier successes in the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, cementing a historic season for the Trent Bridge‑based outfit. The final was a roller‑coaster of emotions, with the Blaze needing 17 runs from the last two overs and then just two runs from the very last ball to secure victory. Emma Jones emerged as the match‑winner, delivering an unbeaten 34 off just 25 deliveries and striking the decisive runs.
Her heroics came after solid contributions from Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss, both of whom had already reached half‑centuries in the chase of a formidable target of 252. Earlier in the game, Lucy Higham proved instrumental with a four‑wicket haul, returning figures of 4‑49 that helped keep Hampshire – the 2025 runners‑up – to a total of 251. Hampshire’s innings featured strong performances from Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp, each compiling fifties that kept the scoreboard ticking. The Blaze won the toss and, thanks to the disciplined bowling of Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips, restricted Hampshire to just 11 runs in the first five overs, setting the tone for a tightly contested match.
Hampshire’s opening partnership, however, began to gain momentum as the in‑form Maia Bouchier and Ella McCaughan forged an 84‑run stand. McCaughan, who had not recorded a fifty since June, confidently paced the innings and reached her milestone with a series of crisp, well‑timed shots. Bouchier, after being dismissed for a duck, was unable to extend her run of centuries, falling short when she was caught on the long‑on boundary shortly after Georgia Adams drove the ball straight to mid‑off, both dismissals credited to Higham. The middle overs saw McCaughan and Kemp dominate, adding a further 67 runs together and taking the score to 166‑2 by the 32nd over.
Yet the Blaze’s experience and tactical acumen began to shine through. Higham struck again, claiming the third and fourth wickets of the innings by stumping Kemp and then catching Naomi Dattani at mid‑on with a superb effort by Kirstie Gordon. Gordon’s spell has been remarkable since her return from The Hundred, amassing 14 wickets in eight matches, and her 4‑49 in this final marked her third four‑for in that period. Charley Phillips also made a decisive 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.
In response, the Blaze’s chase began with a commanding partnership between Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont, who dismantled the bowling attack over a 15‑over spell. Their 95‑run stand set the foundation for the chase, but Wellington managed to create a brief lull by dismissing both Bryce sisters in a single over – Sarah was caught at deep square leg, while Kathryn fell gracefully to a slip catch. Beaumont, supported by Elwiss, kept the run rate steady. Despite being dropped three times and surviving a stumping chance, Beaumont’s innings was a blend of composure and aggression.
Her luck finally ran out when she was given out lbw to Wellington, a dismissal that triggered a rapid collapse of three wickets in just 26 balls. With 30 runs still required, the Blaze faced a daunting finish.
Kirstie Gordon was caught, leaving the side needing 17 runs from the final two overs. Emma Jones rose to the occasion, delivering a series of powerful strokes – a reverse pull and a straight drive that both raced to the boundary. Even after a run‑out on the third ball of the final over, Jones remained unfazed. She completed the chase with a sweeping four on the very last ball, sealing a dramatic win for The Blaze.
The victory not only secured the domestic treble but also highlighted the depth of talent within the Blaze squad. Emma Jones’ composure under pressure, Lucy Higham’s consistent wicket‑taking, and the aggressive top‑order contributions from Beaumont and Elwiss showcased a well‑balanced side capable of delivering when it mattered most.
Their success this season will be remembered as a benchmark for excellence in women’s county cricket, reflecting a blend of strategic brilliance, individual skill, and collective resilience. Looking ahead, the Blaze will aim to build on this momentum, seeking to maintain their high standards across all formats. The combination of seasoned internationals and emerging talents positions them as a formidable force in future competitions, promising more thrilling cricket for fans and further accolades for the club.