Durham Women find themselves comfortably placed in the upper tier of the Women’s T20 Blast 2026, sitting at third place with 31 points from 10 games, backed by seven victories and a healthy net run rate of 0.582. On the flip side, Essex Women are struggling to find consistent momentum down in sixth position. They have managed just four wins from their 10 outings, leaving them with 17 points and a negative net run rate of -0.486, which puts them under immense pressure heading into this fixture.
Squads:
Durham Women’s Cricket Team
Emily Windsor, Emma Marlow, Hollie Armitage, Leah Dobson, Suzie Bates, Katherine Fraser, Mady Villiers, Trudy Johnson, Bess Heath, Mia Rogers, Abigail Glen, Katie Levick, Lauren Filer, Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner, Sophia Turner
Essex Women’s Cricket Team
Alice Macleod, Cordelia Griffith, Florence Miller, Joanne Gardner, Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, Eva Gray, Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Amara Carr, Ariana Dowse, Abtaha Maqsood, Esmae MacGregor, Kate Coppack, Kelly Castle, Sophia Smale, Sophie Munro, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Madeline Penna, Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones
Players to watch out:
Hollie Armitage
Hollie Armitage has been a picture of consistency and stability for Durham, playing 10 matches and getting a hit in 9 innings. She has racked up 325 runs while remaining unbeaten 4 times, pushing her batting average to an excellent 65.00. Striking at a clean 125.00, she has registered 4 half-centuries and smacked 37 boundaries along the way without getting dismissed for a duck.
Grace Scrivens
Grace Scrivens has anchored the top order effectively for Essex, turning up in 8 matches and scoring 311 runs. Her highest score of 85* highlights her ability to bat through an innings, contributing heavily to a healthy average of 44.42. She maintains a brisk scoring rate with a strike rate of 133.47, hitting 46 fours and one maximum across her 3 half-centuries.
Heather Graham
Heather Graham has spearheaded Durham’s bowling unit with significant impact, featuring in 10 matches and bowling in 9 innings. Across 35 overs, she has picked up 15 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 6.54 runs per over. Her best bowling figures stand at a sharp 3/19, giving her an average of 15.26 and an impressive strike rate of 14.00.
Eva Gray
Eva Gray has provided reliable breakthroughs for Essex, featuring in 9 matches and sending down 33.4 overs. She has claimed 13 wickets with an average of 20.69 and a strike rate of 15.53. While her economy sits at 7.99, her ability to break partnerships is evident from her best bowling display of 3/25.
Pitch:
Located far up north in Durham, this ground traditionally favors the bowlers. It often features a bit more moisture and grass cover, giving seamers plenty of lateral movement. Batting requires high concentration early on, but once the shine wears off the ball, it can become a decent track.
Weather:
It’s beautifully warm and sunny in the North East right now, with temperatures peaking around 26°C. Perfect cricketing weather without the usual chill.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hollie Armitage, Suzie Bates, Katherine Fraser, Mady Villiers, Sophia Turner, Eva Gray, Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Abtaha Maqsood, Esmae MacGregor, Lauren Winfield-Hill
Match Details:
Date – July 10, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Broadcast – ECB App, Website & County YouTube channel
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