Essex Women will host Lancashire Women at the County Ground, Chelmsford, on July 16, 2025, in Match 51 of the Women’s T20 Blast 2025, starting 10:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). Essex currently sits in the lower half of the table with three wins from twelve matches so far, while Lancashire are pushing hard to secure a playoff spot.
Lancashire enters the game as favorites, largely due to their strong batting lineup featuring top run-scorer Emma Lamb, who has amassed 336 runs so far, and the influential Eve Jones. Their bowling attack is bolstered by leg-spinner Alana King and others like Tara Norris and Darcey Carter, who bring experience and vital breakthroughs. Lancashire won their only previous encounter this season against Essex by eight wickets, giving them a psychological edge.
Essex’s hopes rest heavily on their premier bowler Esmae MacGregor, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 11 games, alongside Kate Coppack who has been effective with the new ball. However, their batting unit has shown vulnerabilities, struggling to convert starts and perform in pressure situations. Vice-captain Eva Gray will step up to lead in Scrivens’ absence, aiming to motivate a team that needs to reverse recent poor form if they are to upset Lancashire.
Squads:
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
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
Players to watch out:
Esmae MacGregor
Esmae MacGregor has gained attention for her wicket-taking ability, especially in T20 competitions like the Women’s T20 Blast. MacGregor is known for her accuracy, swing, and knack for breaking partnerships. She is currently the highest wicket taker for in the tournament with 21 wickets in 11 innings with an average of 13.38 and her consistent performances make her a key player to watch in the current season.
Lauren Winfield-Hill
Lauren Winfield-Hill is an experienced English wicketkeeper-batter, known for her aggressive style and versatility in the top order. In a recent game against Hampshire Women, she was the standout batter for Essex Women doing the bulk of the scoring while chasing down 215 but fell short of her target. In her last 10 innings so far, she has scored a total of 267 runs with nine double digit scores.
Emma Lamb
Emma Lamb is a top-order right-handed batter and occasional off-spinner for Lancashire Women in the Women’s T20 Blast 2025. In the ongoing season, Lamb has made notable contributions, including her recent best of 60 not out of 48 deliveries coming against Warwickshire Women. She is the fourth highest run getter in the tournament, amassing 336 runs with 4 half-centuries and is a key top-order batter.
Alana King
Alana King has played 27 T20Is for Australia, taking 27 wickets at an average of 18.81 and an economy rate of 6.50, with best figures of 4/8. In the Women’s Big Bash League, she has picked 126 wickets in 114 innings, with best bowling figures of 5 for 16 averaging 20.16 and a decent economy rate of 6.72. In her last 10 T20 outings, she has picked a 3-wicket haul and a total of 13 wickets. King is a key aspect for the Lancashire Women.
Pitch:
The pitch at County Ground, Chelmsford, is balanced and sporting, aiding both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score here is around 200 in recent matches, with a good surface for stroke play but also decent assistance for both pace and spin, promising a fair contest between bat and ball.
Weather:
The weather is expected to be pleasant with a mix of clouds and sun, providing generally favorable conditions for a complete game of cricket. The forecast predicts a good day with no significant precipitation with scattered showers.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Emma Lamb, Fi Morris, Seren Smale, Alisa Lister, Alana King, Tara Norris, Eva Gray, Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Esmae MacGregor, Lauren Winfield-Hill
Match Details:
Date – July 16, 2025
Time – 10:30 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Chelmsford
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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