Blaze Crush Lancashire with Charli Knott’s Match‑Winning Performance

The Blaze 135 for 9 (Beaumont 59, Potts 5-20) beat Lancashire 120 (Threlkeld 49, Knott 4-17, Elwiss 3-12) by 15 runs

The Blaze moved to the top of the Vitality Blast Women’s points table with a 15‑run victory at Trent Bridge, thanks to an all‑round performance from Australian all‑rounder Charli Knott. Preston’s Grace Potts had taken a career‑best 5‑for‑20, but Knott’s 4‑for‑17, also a career best, proved decisive as Lancashire were bowled out for 120 in 19.1 overs.Despite Tammy Beaumont’s 59 from 40 balls and the effort to keep the Blaze’s total at a competitive level, the Thunder could not force a win. Beaumont was dropped on 34 by Venus Weerappuli and could not add to a valuable lead once she was eventually dismissed.Knott’s bowling was complemented by promising seam displays from Georgia Elwiss, who took 3‑for‑12 and secured crucial catches, as well as by the defensive work of the Thunder’s wicketkeeper, Ellie Threlkeld, who kept the scores in check even as the innings progressed.Lancashire started strongly, with the likes of Meg Lanning and Siobhan Andrews taking early troubles for the visitors, but the Blaze’s spin weapon, Knott, inflicted the biggest damage, especially during a triple‑wicket maiden over that turned the tide in favour of the home side.

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