The final round of league-stage fixtures in the Women’s One-Day Cup 2025 brought a mix of dominant performances, clinical chases, and weather disruptions as teams battled for semi-final spots.
Surrey Women showcased their all-round strength with an emphatic 86-run (DLS) win over Durham Women, while The Blaze proved too strong for Essex Women, sealing a 35-run (DLS) victory through disciplined bowling and a composed chase.
In contrast, Hampshire Women’s clash with Lancashire Women ended in frustration, abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain. The round concluded with a thrilling contest where Somerset Women overcame Warwickshire by 4 wickets, to the composed efforts of Fran Wilson and Danielle Gibson.
Match 53: Surrey Women vs Durham Women
Surrey Women produced a dominant display to seal an emphatic 86-run victory (DLS method) over Durham Women, showcasing their batting depth and bowling strength.
Batting first, Surrey piled on an imposing 290/7. Contributions flowed throughout the innings, with skipper Bryony Smith (30) providing an early spark. Alice Monaghan (45) and Emma Jones (47) steadied the middle before the innings was powered by a pair of standout knocks, Alice Davidson-Richards’ unbeaten 65* and Jemima Spence’s 68, which anchored the total with authority.
For Durham, Katie Levick (2/40) and Katherine Fraser (2/54) offered some breakthroughs, supported by Grace Thompson (1/48), Mady Villiers (1/55), and Trudy Johnson (1/64).
In reply, Durham faltered in the chase of a revised target of 225, bowled out for just 138 in 23 overs. Mia Rogers (1) departed early, and while there were brief resistances, Emma Marlow (31), skipper Hollie Armitage (27), Mady Villiers (25), and Emily Windsor (23*), the rest of the batting lineup collapsed in single digits.
Surrey’s bowlers kept the pressure relentless. Danielle Gregory (3/24) led the charge, supported brilliantly by Alice Davidson-Richards (2/13) and Alexa Stonehouse (2/26), as Durham never managed to find momentum.
Match 54: Essex Women vs The Blaze Women
The Blaze Women secured a 35-run victory (DLS method) over Essex Women, capitalizing on disciplined bowling and a clinical chase under revised conditions.
Batting first, Essex put up a fighting total of 211. Contributions were spread across the order, though no one went on to play a big innings. Skipper Grace Scrivens (16 off 26) and Ariana Dowse (20) laid the early platform, before Alice Macleod (30) and Liberty Heap (33) added stability. In the middle, Sophia Smale (41) anchored well, and Joanne Gardner (36) provided late impetus to push Essex past 200.
The Blaze’s bowlers kept chipping away at crucial intervals, Orla Prendergast (3/43) was the standout, supported by Lucy Higham (2/33). Grace Ballinger (1/30), skipper Kathryn Bryce (1/34), and Kirstie Gordon (1/36) ensured Essex never fully broke free.
Rain then intervened, reducing the chase to a revised target of just 25 runs from 11.2 overs. The Blaze wasted no time, cruising to 59 without loss. Georgie Boyce (23*) and Sarah Bryce (33*) guided their side home comfortably, sealing a straightforward win via the DLS method.
It was a professional display from The Blaze, disciplined with the ball and untroubled in the chase, while Essex were left frustrated after a solid batting effort was undone by the weather-adjusted conditions.
Match 55: Hampshire Women vs Lancashire Women
Frustration loomed large in Match 55 as the clash between Hampshire Women and Lancashire Women was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Persistent rain and unplayable conditions meant both sides were denied the chance to contest valuable points, leaving players and fans disappointed.
Match 56: Warwickshire Women vs Somerset Women
Somerset Women produced a confident chase to defeat Warwickshire Women by 4 wickets, with Fran Wilson and Danielle Gibson leading the way.
Batting first, Warwickshire posted 175, with several batters getting starts but unable to convert into a defining score. Meg Austin (21) and Amu Surenkumar (34 off 39) provided early runs, while skipper Georgia Davis (36) and Natasha Wraith (39) steadied the middle. However, a late collapse meant they fell short of building a bigger total.
Somerset’s bowling attack kept the pressure on, with Amanda-Jade Wellington (2/28), Ellie Anderson (2/30), Chloe Skelton (2/33), and Olivia Barnes (2/49) sharing the wickets evenly.
In reply, Somerset paced their chase smartly, reaching 176/6. Rebecca Odgers (35 off 44) and Niamh Holland (38) set the platform despite skipper Sophie Luff departing for a duck. The finishing touches came through the experienced Fran Wilson (47* off 45) and all-rounder Danielle Gibson (50 off 41), whose composed partnership sealed victory with style.
Warwickshire’s bowlers fought hard, with Hannah Baker (3/44) striking regularly and Phoebe Brett (2/43) chipping in, but the target proved too small against Somerset’s balanced batting display.
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