In an exhilarating series of matches, both Lancashire and the Bears have clinched their places in the Women’s T20 Blast Finals Day. Performances from all the stars—recognized and soon-to-be—have pushed both teams into the national consciousness, featuring jaw-dropping talent and an unbreakable will to win.
Emma Lamb was one of the performers of the tournament as she shined for a strong Lancashire side, finishing with an impressive 336 runs during the competition. In that same game, Lamb’s all-round performance helped push her team over the line, scoring 74 off 48 balls and taking three wickets. White produced an exquisite innings, in which she struck eight fours and a six. Sadly for her, she was trapped at mid-wicket off the bowling of Sophia Turner. Her continued excellent form, alongside a Lancashire attack brimming with depth has been the catalyst for a side who are championship contenders, and her team’s driving force.
Surrey reinforced their title credentials with an all-round display to crush bottom side Somerset by 68 runs – an impressive performance from the champions. Alice Monaghan was the star of this match, going 57*, not out and off only 32 balls. Later, one of the stars of the Aussie squad, Ellyse Perry continued to press on the Hawks’ advantage with a strong performance of 58 runs.
The Bears, intent on leaving their stamp on this year’s tourney, were just as impressive. Davina Perrin was critical to their success. She was in destructive form, smashing 70 runs off just 48 balls as the Rebels beat Hampshire by 16 runs. Perrin’s total runs in the inaugural Women’s T20 Blast now stand at an impressive 377, marking her as one of the tournament’s top scorers. Her Automata teammate Georgia Adams wasn’t going to let her go unsupported — she smugly contributed 32 not out runs as well.
A strong bowling effort went a long way in these games. Bex Tyson was impressive for the Hawks, taking 3-27 against Somerset. Dani Gregory enjoyed a sensational day with the ball, claiming 4/13. Her final wicket was to bowl out Erin Vukovic, leaving Somerset’s innings all out for a mere 107 runs. Heather Graham proved a standout for Somerset, smashing an impressive 33 runs. At the other end, Glenn and Higham exploded into life, putting on 30 invaluable runs just when the Australians needed them most.
In possibly the most exciting finish ever, Eva Gray took three wickets in four balls in the last over. Her outstanding performance led the way to the Bears victory over Hampshire.
We’ve tried not to think about Finals Day, obviously we’re super pleased but we’ve got two tough games on the road to come and it’s about trying to build momentum and put pressure on Surrey because we still want top spot, said Gordon, summing up their chances as they head into the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Both teams nevertheless head into finals day full of confidence. Fans are counting down the days until what is sure to be an electric finale to this first-ever Women’s T20 Blast! The stakes have never been higher, and the players are more eager than ever to prove their talent on the big stage.
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