This is easily the blockbuster clash of the opening round as reigning champions Surrey Women host Lancashire Women at the Kia Oval in match 2 of the Women’s T20 Blast 2026. Surrey were the absolute class of the field last season, dropping only a single game out of 14 and comfortably sitting atop the ladder with 52 points. Lancashire were no pushovers either, securing a respectable fourth-place finish with 7 wins.
Squads:
Surrey Women’s Cricket Team
Alice Capsey, Aylish Cranstone, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Kira Chathli, Sophia Dunkley, Alexa Stonehouse, Alice Davidson-Richards, Alice Monaghan, Bryony Smith, Emma Jones, Grace Harris, Paige Scholfield, Phoebe Franklin, Priyanaz Chatterji, Jemima Spence, Bethan Miles, Charlotte Lambert, Danielle Gregory, Kalea Moore, Ryana Macdonald-Gay, Tash Farrant, Tilly Corteen-Coleman
Lancashire Women’s Cricket Team
Danielle Collins, Emma Lamb, Eve Jones, Katie Mack, Liberty Heap, Darcey Carter, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Grace Potts, Fi Morris, Eleanor Threlkeld, Seren Smale, Grace Johnson, Alisa Lister, Alana King, Hannah Jones, Olivia Bell, Phoebe Graham, Sophie Morris, Tara Norris
Players to watch out:
Grace Harris
Australian powerhouse Grace Harris brought plenty of flair and vital all-round balance to Surrey Women during the 2025 tournament. While her primary damage came with her explosive batting, hitting a top score of 63* and clearing the ropes 10 times, her bowling was an equally crucial weapon. She chipped in heavily by capturing 10 wickets across her 9-bowling innings with an average of 17.50. Her ability to strike every 13 balls with a best haul of 3/18 made her a dangerous option whenever she was handed the ball.
Alisa Lister
Alisa Lister provided immense spark and finishing power for Lancashire Thunder, proving she can change the course of a game in a flash. Though she only batted in 13 innings, she piled up 281 runs with an eye-catching strike rate of 148.67. Her aggressive approach was defined by her ability to find the ropes, smashing 25 fours and 10 towering sixes over the course of the summer. With a season-best score of 79 and a handy average of 35.12, she consistently gave the team’s middle order a massive boost.
Ryana MacDonald-Gay
Ryana MacDonald-Gay was a vital cog in the Surrey Women bowling unit, delivering high-quality spells whenever called upon. In her 11 appearances, she racked up 15 wickets while maintaining a superb, parsimonious economy rate of 6.60. She averaged a tidy 16.06 with the ball and boasted a fantastic strike rate of 14.60, meaning she rarely went a game without making an impact. Her tactical brilliance was on full display in her best performance of the season, where she tore through the opposition to claim figures of 4/14.
Tara Norris
Tara Norris brought invaluable left-arm variety and relentless energy to Lancashire Thunder’s bowling attack throughout the 2025 season. Featuring in 14 matches, she bowled a heavy workload of over 47 overs and rewarded her side with 16 wickets. She maintained a steady strike rate of 17.75 and an average of 21.12, proving to be a highly effective option in both the powerplay and the death overs. Her season was highlighted by an excellent best bowling performance of 3/25, showcasing her knack for stepping up in key moments.
Pitch:
The Oval is renowned for its excellent pace and carry, offering a reliable surface for strokeplayers but keeping quick bowlers interested if they hit the deck hard.
Weather:
The conditions will be partly sunny with a peak temperature of 27°C. Wind will come from the south at 9 mph, and there is a slight 10% chance of a daytime shower.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophia Dunkley, Alexa Stonehouse, Grace Harris, Danielle Gregory, Ryana Macdonald-Gay, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Eve Jones, Mahika Gaur, Grace Johnson, Alisa Lister, Tara Norris
Match Details:
Date – May 22, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Kennington Oval, London
Broadcast – The ECB app, website, and YouTube channels.
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