The Blaze completed an impressive domestic treble by narrowly defeating Hampshire in a nail‑biting finish to claim the Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s title. The Trent Bridge‑based outfit had already celebrated triumphs in the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, but the One Day Cup final proved to be their toughest challenge yet. After a frantic chase that saw them require 17 runs from the last two overs and then just two runs from the very last ball, the side held their nerve and crossed the line thanks to a decisive cameo from Emma Jones, who finished unbeaten on 34 off 25 balls and struck the winning runs.
The match began with The Blaze winning the toss and opting to field. Their bowlers immediately put pressure on the opposition, with Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips delivering an ultra‑economical opening spell that yielded only 11 runs in the first five overs. Hampshire’s opening partnership of Maia Bouchier and Ella McCaughan, however, began to steady the ship, putting together an 84‑run stand that shifted momentum toward the visitors. McCaughan, who had not reached a half‑century since June, played a confident, attacking knock, guiding her team into a respectable total.
Lucy Higham then stepped into the spotlight for The Blaze, producing a career‑highlight performance of 4‑49. Her spell dismantled Hampshire’s middle order, limiting the hosts to 251 all out.
The wickets fell at crucial moments: Higham trapped Freya Kemp with a clean stumping, and later saw Naomi Dattani caught brilliantly at mid‑on by Kirstie Gordon. Gordon, a spinner who has taken 14 wickets in eight matches since returning from The Hundred, added to the pressure with her third four‑for in that period, finishing with figures of 4‑49 herself. Meanwhile, pace bowler Charley Phillips delivered a rapid-fire trio of wickets, dismissing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in three consecutive overs, effectively sealing Hampshire’s fate at 251. With the target set at 252, The Blaze’s chase began in earnest.
Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont formed an aggressive opening partnership, demolishing the early bowling and adding 95 runs together with relative ease. Their dominance was briefly interrupted when Wellington, bowling for Hampshire, managed to dismiss both Bryce sisters in the same over—Sarah was caught at deep square leg and Kathryn fell spectacularly at slip. Despite these setbacks, Beaumont, a former England opener, continued to anchor the innings alongside Georgia Elwiss. Beaumont’s innings was a masterclass in composure; she survived three drops and even a stumping opportunity before eventually being given out lbw to Wellington.
That dismissal triggered a brief collapse, with three wickets falling in just 26 balls, and left The Blaze needing 30 runs with only a handful of wickets in hand. Kirstie Gordon’s wicket fell next, further tightening the chase. The equation now stood at 17 runs required from the final two overs. Emma Jones, who had been playing a steady supporting role, suddenly found herself at the crease with the responsibility of steering her side home.
She responded with a series of aggressive strokes—a reverse pull that raced to the boundary and a straight drive that cleared the ropes—bringing the required runs down quickly. Even though she was involved in a run‑out on the third ball of the final over, Jones remained unfazed. On the very last delivery, she executed a confident sweep that raced to the fence, securing the winning runs and sealing a dramatic victory for The Blaze.
The final result not only awarded The Blaze the Metro Bank One Day Cup but also completed a historic domestic treble—an achievement that underscores the depth and resilience of the squad. Their season, highlighted by the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, demonstrated a blend of explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding. The performances of key players such as Emma Jones, Lucy Higham, Kirstie Gordon, and Charley Phillips were instrumental in navigating the high‑pressure moments that defined the final. Beyond the statistics, the match showcased the growing competitiveness of women’s county cricket.
Hampshire, who were the losing finalists in 2025, displayed a strong batting line‑up with half‑centuries from Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp, and a solid opening partnership that kept them in contention until the very end. Their bowlers, particularly Wellington, also made significant contributions, highlighting the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in the modern game.
In summary, The Blaze’s triumph in the Metro Bank One Day Cup final was a testament to their ability to perform under pressure, adapt to evolving match situations, and seize critical moments. The combination of strategic bowling changes, clutch batting performances, and a never‑say‑die attitude culminated in a memorable finish that will be remembered by fans and players alike.
The domestic treble stands as a milestone in the club’s history and sets a high benchmark for future seasons, inspiring upcoming talent and reinforcing the stature of women’s cricket across England.