The Blaze completed a remarkable domestic treble by edging out Hampshire in a dramatic, last‑ball showdown in the Metro Bank One Day Cup women's tournament. Already the holders of the Vitality Blast and the Vitality T20 County Cup, the Trent Bridge‑based outfit faced a steep climb when they found themselves needing 17 runs from the final two overs and just two runs off the very last delivery.
It was Emma Jones who rose to the occasion, delivering an unbeaten 34 off 25 balls and striking the decisive runs after Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss had already laid a solid foundation with half‑centuries in the chase of 252. The match began with Lucy Higham producing a standout spell, claiming 4‑49 and helping to keep Hampshire – who were also the 2025 losing finalists – to a total of 251.
Both Ella McCaughan and Freya Kemp contributed valuable fifties, ensuring the opposition posted a competitive score. After winning the toss, The Blaze employed a very restrictive opening strategy, with Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips conceding only 11 runs in the first five overs.
However, Hampshire’s opening partnership, featuring the in‑form Maia Bouchier and McCaughan, began to shift momentum. The pair compiled an 84‑run stand, with McCaughan confidently reaching her first half‑century since June. Bouchier, who had been dismissed for a duck earlier in the tournament, was unable to secure a third consecutive century as she was caught on the long‑on boundary, followed shortly by a straight‑hit dismissal by Georgia Adams, both wickets falling to Higham.
The Blaze briefly relaxed as McCaughan and Kemp accelerated in the middle overs, forging a 67‑run partnership that took the score to 166‑2 by the 32nd over. Yet The Blaze’s experience and tactical acumen began to shine through. Higham struck again, delivering the third and fourth wickets of the innings: she stumped Kemp and then trapped Naomi Dattani with a brilliant catch by Kirstie Gordon at mid‑on.
Gordon, who has taken 14 wickets in eight matches since returning from The Hundred, recorded her third four‑wicket haul of the season with figures of 4‑49. Charley Phillips added to Hampshire’s woes by removing Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove and Amanda‑Jade Wellington in three consecutive overs, leaving the hosts bowled out for 251. The chase got underway with Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont dismantling the Blaze bowling attack over a 15‑over spell, putting on a fluent 95‑run partnership. Wellington attempted to stem the flow by taking the wickets of both Bryce sisters in a single over—Sarah was caught at deep square leg, while Kathryn fell spectacularly at slip.
Beaumont, supported by Elwiss, continued to steer the innings, benefitting from a few lucky moments: she survived three drops and a stumping chance. However, her luck eventually ran out when she was given out lbw to Wellington, triggering a rapid collapse that saw three wickets tumble in just 26 balls. With 30 runs still required and the pressure mounting, Gordon was caught, leaving The Blaze needing 17 runs from the final two overs. Emma Jones took charge, delivering a series of aggressive strokes—a powerful reverse pull and a crisp straight drive that both found the boundary.
Even after a run‑out on the third ball of the final over, Jones kept her composure and, with a sweeping four on the very last delivery, sealed a thrilling victory for The Blaze. The win not only completed a historic treble for The Blaze but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad.
Emma Jones’ calm under pressure, Lucy Higham’s disciplined bowling, and the aggressive batting of Beaumont and Elwiss all contributed to a memorable performance. The match also underscored the competitive nature of women’s domestic cricket, with both teams displaying high skill levels and resilience. As the season concludes, The Blaze’s achievement sets a new benchmark for excellence in the women’s game, inspiring future players and fans alike. Overall, the final was a showcase of strategic bowling, opportunistic batting, and clutch performances in the closing moments.
The Blaze’s ability to recover from a precarious position and clinch the title on the last ball will be remembered as one of the most exciting finishes in recent domestic cricket history.