The Women’s T20 Blast 2025 season continues with a marquee clash in match no. 5 as Lancashire and The Blaze lock horns at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Two of the most formidable sides in the competition, both Lancashire and The Blaze, the two in-form teams, with Lancashire fresh from lifting the T20 County Cup and The Blaze drawing their campaign opener.
With both teams boasting a blend of experienced internationals and exciting young talent, this showdown at Old Trafford is set to deliver edge-of-the-seat action and a true test of skill and nerve for all involved. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as Lancashire and The Blaze battle to make an early statement in the Women’s T20 Blast 2025.
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:
Sophie Ecclestone
England’s leading spinner, Ecclestone in 96 T20Is has struck 137 wickets at an average of 15.24 and an economy rate of 5.88, with best of 4/18. She has also scored 285 runs in 40 innings, with the highest score of 33* and a strike rate of 126.66. She has been absolutely consistent with the ball in her last five T20 matches, picking 14 wickets with three 3-fers and a four-fer as well. Lancashire Women will want Ecclestone to continue her reign with the ball for them.
Alana King
Alana King has played 27 T20Is for Australia, taking 27 wickets at an average of 18.81 and an economy rate of 6.49, with best figures of 4/8. In the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), she has picked 126 wickets in 114 innings, with best bowling figures of 5 for 16 averaging 20.16 and an economy rate of 6.72. In her last five T20 outings, she has picked two 3-wicket hauls and scored 59 runs with the bat. King will be a key aspect for the Lancashire Women going forward in the tournament.
Sarah Bryce
Sarah Bryce has played 58 T20I matches, scoring 1290 runs in 58 innings at an average of 28.66, with the highest score of 67. She has 385 runs in The Hundred and 169 runs in 10 WBBL games, scoring a half century respectively in both the tournaments. Bryce’s last five T20 matches include a spectacular 94* of 61 against the Kent Women and is one of the key players for the Blaze in the tournament.
Heather Graham
Heather Graham has played 5 T20Is for Australia, taking 8 wickets at an average of 14.13 and an economy rate of 8.07, with best figures of 4/8. In the WPL, WBBL and The Hundred, she has featured in 157 matches all together, scoring 1828 runs, with the highest score of 55*. She has also picked 159 wickets in all these competitions, being a key and consistent performer with both bat and ball. In her last five T20 matches, she has picked 4 wickets with the ball.
Pitch:
The center strip at Old Trafford in Manchester is generally considered batting-friendly, offering good pace and consistent bounce which allows batters to play their shots freely. Seam bowlers can find some early movement, while spinners may come into play as the pitch wears and offers more grip later in the match.
Weather:
Expect mostly cloudy and cool conditions with temperatures around 16°C and a slight chance of showers. The weather is expected to stay dry for the game, but humidity will be high, and light breeze.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Alana King, Sophie Ecclestone, Grace Johnson, Phoebe Graham, Heather Graham, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Charley Phillips, Grace Ballinger, Ella Claridge, Eve Jones
Match details:
Date – May 31, 2025
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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