The Blaze claimed a resounding 10-wicket win over Durham, powered by an unbeaten 54 from Tammy Beaumont and 53 from Sarah Bryce, who forged the highest opening partnership of the tournament. The pair guided their team to victory with 40 balls to spare, finishing on 118 for no wicket.
Heather Graham top-scored for Durham with 33 from 23 balls, but their total of 117 for eight never posed a serious challenge. Captain Kirstie Gordon, who also led The Blaze to T20 success in the 2024 Charlotte Edwards Cup final, took 3 for 21 with her left-arm spin, while seamer Grace Ballinger contributed 1 for 22.
Following the day’s trend, Gordon elected to chase after winning the toss, a choice vindicated by Ballinger’s tight opening over, which conceded just one run and removed Durham captain Hollie Armitage for a duck.
Mady Villiers survived two close chances – a diving catch from Lucy Higham and a dropped catch by Gordon – before being dismissed by Gordon in the subsequent over. Despite a valiant effort from Graham, who fell attempting a cut shot off Kathryn Bryce, Durham’s middle order crumbled to 73 for five.
Grace Thompson and Emily Windsor revived Durham’s hopes with a 40-run partnership off 30 balls, but Charli Knott’s two wickets in the final over, including Thompson’s dismissal, kept the target within reach.
Beaumont and Bryce maintained a steady pace from the outset, combining aggressive strokeplay with composure. Beaumont reached her fifty with a sweep shot for two off Katie Levick in 34 deliveries, followed by Bryce’s boundary-laden acceleration. The winning run came via a controlled steer from Beaumont off Villiers in the next over, sparking celebrations in The Blaze camp.
