Down at Taunton, it’s a battle between two teams desperate to erase the memory of last year’s disappointing campaigns in match no. 3 of the Women’s T20 Blast 2026. Somerset had a truly forgettable season, finishing rock bottom of the table with a lone victory and a staggering 10 defeats. Hampshire didn’t fare much better, managing only 5 wins and finishing just one spot above Essex. For both clubs, the match isn’t just about getting a win; it’s about setting a completely new standard for the summer ahead.
Squads:
Somerset Women’s Cricket Team
Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Heather Knight, Jess Hazell, Rebecca Odgers, Sophie Luff, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Danielle Gibson, Erin Vukusic, Lola Harris, Niamh Holland, Olivia Barnes, Amelie Munday, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Charlie Dean, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Laura Jackson, Mollie Robbins
Hampshire Women’s Cricket Team
Abigale Norgrove, Daisy Mullan, Ella McCaughan, Georgia Adams, Maia Bouchier, Poppy Tulloch, Ava Lee, Charli Knott, Ellyse Perry, Freya Kemp, Mary Taylor, Naomi Dattani, Rhianna Southby, Bex Tyson, Daisy Gibb, Freya Davies, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Megan Sturge, Nancy Harman, Rebecca Tyson
Players to watch out:
Amanda Jade-Wellington
Amanda Jade-Wellington was a key asset for Somerset Women last season, using her extensive experience to impact games with both bat and ball. While she controlled things with her high-class leg-spin, claiming 13 wickets at a tight economy of 6.82, her lower-order batting was incredibly handy. She chipped in with 254 runs across 12 innings, maintaining a strike rate of 130.92 and a top score of 45. Her ability to anchor the tail and smash 37 boundaries saved her side from tricky situations on multiple occasions.
Rhianna Southby
Rhianna Southby did a fantastic job holding the lower-middle order together for Hampshire, frequently showing great maturity with the bat. Across her 14 matches, she took guard in 11 innings and accumulated 286 runs at a healthy average of 28.60. She showed she could accelerate when required, hitting a high score of 64 and crossing the rope for 32 boundaries over the summer. Her strike rate of 115.78 reflected her role as a smart accumulator who expertly balanced aggression with strike rotation.
Mollie Robbins
Mollie Robbins was a standout performer for Somerset Women, serving as a reliable breakthrough option whenever the captain needed a wicket. She featured in 13 matches, sending down 34 overs and picking up a total of 15 wickets at a sharp average of 17.60. Robbins proved to be incredibly dangerous when finding her rhythm, striking every 13.60 deliveries to disrupt opposition setups. Her finest moment of the tournament came during a brilliant spell where she claimed a fantastic four-wicket haul, finishing with best figures of 4/29.
Bex Tyson
Bex Tyson provided plenty of teeth and aggression to the Hampshire Hawks bowling unit, consistently challenging batters with her pace. Playing 12 matches, she bowled 45 overs and claimed 16 scalps at an average of 22.50 over the course of the tournament. She showed a real knack for breaking stubborn partnerships, maintaining a solid strike rate of 16.87. Tyson also showed great discipline by slipping in a maiden over during the season, with her best individual performance yielding a tidy 3/27.
Pitch:
The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton generally favours batters, especially early on. However, spinners could find some turn and grip as the game progresses. With an average first-innings score of 204, chasing teams often hold the advantage here.
Weather:
The conditions will be a bit more overcast, remaining mostly cloudy throughout the day with a high of 26°C. A 10-mph southerly wind will blow across the ground, and there is a minimal 10% chance of rain during play.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Rebecca Odgers, Sophie Luff, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Danielle Gibson, Alex Griffiths, Mollie Robbins, Abigale Norgrove, Ella McCaughan, Mary Taylor, Rhianna Southby, Bex Tyson
Match Details:
Date – May 22, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – The Copper Associates Ground, Taunton
Broadcast – The ECB app, website, and YouTube channels.
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