Lancashire secured a pulsating five-run win against The Blaze in the semi-final of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Trent Bridge. This dramatic victory clinched their place in the final! Lancashire put on a sensational show of batting, racking up 241 runs in total. They did it at the cost of only six wickets over their 50 overs of play. In answer, The Blaze went to war but lost narrowly. They made 236 runs at the loss of nine wickets with Kathryn Bryce scoring a superb century.
Ailsa Lister was the standout for Lancashire putting in a match-winning performance with the bat in her career best score of 96 runs from 91 balls. It proved the ideal launch pad for her batting prowess as she was well supported by Ellie Threlkeld who made a season-high 92 runs off 128 balls. Their partnership of 166 runs for the fifth wicket was crucial in putting The Blaze to a daunting target.
Lancashire’s innings got off to a steady start, but it was Lister and Threlkeld’s efforts that propelled the team to a competitive score. Both batters showed tremendous grit and class, taking Lancashire from a tricky position to gaining the upper hand in the middle overs. Their partnership didn’t just arrest the damage, it gave India the platform for a decent total.
Lancashire’s Kate Cross and Grace Potts each took 3-18 to tear through the West Indies top order. They combined beautifully, sharing an incredible six wickets among them. Cross finished her spell with figures of 3-47, while Potts excelled with 3-32, effectively disrupting The Blaze’s batting order as they chased the target.
In response, The Blaze opened the batting aggressively. The all-rounder was in scintillating form as she helped see the team to victory with her unbeaten century, with 124 runs coming off just 121 deliveries. Anchoring the innings, her hundred came at a crucial period. Her performance sparked dreams for The Blaze’s Cinderella run to victory. Alongside her though, one of the debutants Georgia Elwiss pushed her far with a strong 55 runs.
Bryce and Elwiss were to form a crucial partnership, contributing 150 runs for the fourth wicket. These moves ensured that The Blaze remained in the game deep into the final overs of the match. As the innings went on, Lancashire’s bowlers really put their foot on the throat of the contest. Representatives Potts and Cross were the leaders on the fight in the key moments.
When it came down to the last few overs, nerves were high on both ends. The Blaze only needed a handful of runs to seal a low-scoring win, but it was Lancashire’s bowlers who kept their composure. Ultimately, The Blaze finished their innings at 236 runs for nine wickets, falling just five runs short of their target.
With this victory, Lancashire have booked their place in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final. They will now meet the winners of the second of this afternoon’s semi-finals, Hampshire versus Surrey. Bottom line The team is excited to build on their newfound momentum. They’re committed to extending this exciting victory and seeking championship prestige!
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