Romania, led by skipper Rebecca Blake, were up against the Isle of Man, led by skipper Alanya Thorpe, in the 2nd game of the Women’s T20 Continental Cup 2026 at Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground, Ilfov County on 26th August 2026.
The Romania skipper Rebecca Blake won the toss and opted to bat first. The Romanian openers Maya Kearvell and skipper Rebecca Blake almost carried their bat through the innings, stitching a massive 122-run opening stand. Maya Kearvell (40 off 52 balls) was eventually dismissed by Isabella Clarke in the 19th over of the innings.
Romania posted 127/2 in their quota of 20 overs. Skipper Rebecca Blake stayed unbeaten on an impressive half-century (62* off 67 balls). The Isle of Man bowlers erred in line and conceded 25 extras in the innings. Isabella Clarke (4-0-24-2) was the only wicket-taker with the ball for Isle of Man. Lucy Barnett (3-0-16-0) and Joanne Hicks (3-0-18-0) were impressive with the ball for their side.
Chasing a target of 128, the Isle of Man openers, wicket-keeper batter Libby Moore and Lucy Barnett, got their side off to a flying start with a 20-run opening stand. The Romania bowlers bounced back with a couple of quick strikes. Clare Crowe joined Lucy Barnett at the crease with their side in trouble at 20/2 in the 3rd over of the run chase. The pair took them past the 50-run mark with a crucial 39-run stand for the 3rd wicket.
Lucy Barnett held fort at one end, forming decent partnerships. Barnett kept losing partners as she kept chipping away at the target. A 37-run stand for the 6th wicket alongside Georgina Ford took them past the 100-run mark. Lucy Barnett stayed unbeaten on a fantastic half-century 71* (43 balls) and ensured she guided her side over the line with 3 wickets in hand and 40 balls to spare.
They were helped by the indisciplined bowling from the Romanian bowlers, as they conceded as many as 36 extras. Iuliana Muntean (3-0-24-2), Maria Ababi (3-0-29-2), Maya Kearvell (2-0-19-1), and Cristina Cirlig (1.2-0-7-1) were impressive with the ball for Romania. Lucy Barnett was awarded the Player of the Match for her decisive knock of 71* (43 balls) under pressure in a tricky run chase. Her knock included 10 boundaries and a couple of maximums.
Loves all things female cricket