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Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce combined for 118 to lead the Blaze to an impressive 10-wicket win over Durham to clinch the Women’s Twenty20 Blast title at Kia Oval.
The Blaze knocked out defending champions Surrey by six wickets in the semi-final, restricting their opponents to 105 all out after impressive contributions from player of the tournament Charlie Knott (4-15) and Grace Ballinger (3-18), but that was 5-3 with recently retired international Beaumont and 5-3. They are on their way to victory with bat in the final.
Durham – who booked their place in the final after a thrilling run chase that saw Hampshire down by four wickets with four balls to spare – were led by Heather Graham (30 off 23 balls), but impressive bowling from spinner Kirsty Gordon (3-21) left the Lions with a tall task as they defended the B-7-1-1 total to 8-1-1. 6.4 overs to go.
Beaumont and Bryce’s title-winning opening partnership was the highest in this year’s tournament and gave the Blaze the title in just the second edition of the revamped Blast.
Tammy Beaumont led her team to an impressive title win
The Blaze won their first T20 competition
Gordon won the toss and opted to bowl for the Blaze on a low-scoring day that saw a high score of just 131 in both semi-finals and it paid immediate dividends as Ballinger took the wicket of Durham skipper Holly Armitage (0) with the fourth ball of her innings.
Grace Thompson (20), Emily Windsor (20) and fellow opener Maddie Villiers (16) supported Graham’s top score, but despite recording a win against the Blaze earlier in the season, the Blast ultimately saw Durham lose on finals day.
Beaumont celebrated an impressive 10-wicket win
“Definitely buzzed about getting over the line,” match-winner Bryce told Sky Sports. “We had some disappointment in the days leading up to the final, so absolutely buzzed about how we came out today.
“I didn’t expect (personally) to have a season like this, but I think different people have stood up at different times throughout the competition – I’m glad to come up today and put one up for the team.”
The women’s T20 Blast season is over, but you can watch the men’s final on Saturday live on Sky Sports Cricket (first ball 11am). Didn’t get the sky? Get Sky Sports or Stream now with no contract📺
