The first-leg fixtures of the inaugural Women’s One Day Cup concluded with an electrifying match between The Blaze Women and Somerset Women. In a highly anticipated contest, The Blaze Women delivered a commanding performance, securing a comprehensive victory by 4 wickets in an absolute thriller.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Somerset Women displayed their intent early. Openers Rebecca Odgers and Emma Corney laid a solid foundation with an 88-run partnership for the first wicket. Odgers played a fluent knock of 50 off 57 balls, smashing nine boundaries, while Corney added a steady 38 runs.
After the openers fell in quick succession, skipper Sophie Luff led from the front, stabilizing the innings with a vital 72 off 76 balls, including eight boundaries. Her 69-run partnership with Alex Griffiths for the fifth wicket helped rebuild the innings after a brief middle-order wobble.
The final overs saw fireworks from Amanda-Jade Wellington, who smashed a blistering 48 off just 25 balls at a strike rate of 192. The lower-order contributions propelled Somerset to an imposing total of 304/7 after 50 overs.
Chasing a challenging target of 305, The Blaze Women faced early setbacks with Georgie Boyce run out for 1. However, Maddy Green and Kathryn Bryce turned the tide with a crucial 125-run partnership.
[embedpress]https://x.com/onedaycup/status/1925056268927897702?t=K-5RMpjj5uOn4HwCF0eKoQ&s=19[/embedpress]
Green’s masterful innings of 97 off 90 balls, featuring 12 boundaries, was complemented by Bryce’s steady 59 off 63 balls. Despite consistent breakthroughs by Somerset’s bowlers—debutant Olivia Barnes (2/49), Alex Griffiths, and Amanda-Jade Wellington—the Blaze maintained their composure.
Georgia Elwiss rose to the occasion, crafting a calculated unbeaten 75 off 68 balls. Her unbroken 67-run partnership with Kirstie Gordon (25* off 27) proved decisive, guiding The Blaze to victory with 4 wickets in hand.
With this victory, The Blaze Women now stand at number 3 on the points table. Their ability to build partnerships and hold their nerve under pressure was the defining factor in a high-scoring thriller.
Loves all things female cricket