Match 8 of the Women’s T20 Blast 2026 features two teams on completely opposite trajectories after the opening round. Lancashire Women are sitting in seventh place with zero points and a disappointing net run rate of -0.892 after failing to defend their total on opening day. The Blaze Women are enjoying life near the top, sitting comfortably in third place with 4 points and an NRR of 0.332 after securing a hard-fought win right out of the gate.
Squads:
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
The Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Ella Claridge, Georgie Boyce, Maddy Green, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Prisha Thanawala, Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Elwiss, Heather Graham, Kathryn Bryce, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Orla Prendergast, Amy Jones, Sarah Bryce, Scarlett Hughes, Amy Wheeler, Cassidy McCarthy, Charley Phillips, Grace Ballinger, Josie Groves, Kirstie Gordon, Lucy Higham, Olivia Baker, Sarah Glenn
Players to watch out:
Eve Jones
Eve provided an aggressive, flying start for Lancashire, scoring a quickfire 56 runs off only 31 deliveries. Her highly impactful half-century included 8 fours and a six, helping the team gain immense early momentum with a strike rate of 180.64. Her fearless approach at the top of the order took the pressure off the middle order completely.
Charli Knott
Opening her arms for The Blaze, Knott played a vital hand of 57 runs from just 29 balls to stamp her authority on the game. Displaying excellent intent and clever innovation, she scored at a rapid strike rate of 196.55 and smashed 9 boundaries in the process. Her knock showed just how dangerous she can be when she gets her eye in early.
Grace Potts
Grace was instrumental with the ball for Lancashire, picking up 2 wickets for 31 runs in her full quota of 4 overs. She maintained a steady economy of 7.75, consistently challenging the batters by hitting hard lengths throughout her spell. Her discipline ensured that the opposition could never truly break free during the middle overs.
Charley Phillips
Charley proved to be a major threat for the opposition, scalping 3 wickets for 31 runs in her 4 overs of work. Despite giving away runs at an economy of 7.75, her ability to strike at regular intervals kept breaking the opposition’s momentum. Her tactical execution with the ball made her a standout performer in the bowling unit.
Pitch:
Old Trafford is famously known for having the quickest bounce in the country and a deck that genuinely favors express pace. Under this blazing sun, the pitch will stay hard and fast, giving the quicks some carry through to the keeper early on, before drying out to offer the spinners some classic, big over-the-top bounce later in the day.
Weather:
The usual rain narrative is completely flipped. It is going to be a beautifully sunny day with a high of 26°C and a light 5 mph southwest wind, with a negligible 5% chance of precipitation.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Emma Lamb, Katie Mack, Kate Cross, Grace Potts, Alisa Lister, Tara Norris, Ella Claridge, Marie Kelly, Kathryn Bryce, Charley Phillips, Kirstie Gordon
Match Details:
Date – May 25, 2026
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast – The ECB app, website, and YouTube channels.
