Hampshire head into this knockout clash of the Women’s T20 Blast 2026 as the undeniable team to beat, having absolutely stormed through the regular season to finish top of the table. With eight wins, just two defeats, and a couple of washouts, they have played the most consistent, clinical cricket in the tournament. Even when pushed to the limit, they have found a way to win, just like their frantic four-wicket victory over the Warwickshire Bears. Durham, on the other hand, snuck into the top four by the skin of their teeth. They had a bit of a wobble at the backend of the group stages, dropping tight encounters to both Essex and Lancashire Thunder. However, their early-season form—including a stunning win over Hampshire way back in May—proves that their best cricket can beat anyone.
Squads:
Durham Women’s Cricket Team
Emily Windsor, Emma Marlow, Hollie Armitage, Leah Dobson, Suzie Bates, Katherine Fraser, Mady Villiers, Trudy Johnson, Bess Heath, Mia Rogers, Abigail Glen, Katie Levick, Lauren Filer, Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner, Sophia Turner
Hampshire Women’s Cricket Team
Abigale Norgrove, Daisy Mullan, Ella McCaughan, Georgia Adams, Maia Bouchier, Poppy Tulloch, Ava Lee, Charli Knott, Ellyse Perry, Freya Kemp, Mary Taylor, Naomi Dattani, Rhianna Southby, Bex Tyson, Daisy Gibb, Freya Davies, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Megan Sturge, Nancy Harman, Rebecca Tyson
Players to watch out:
Maia Bouchier
Maia Bouchier has been in blistering form for Hampshire, putting up incredible numbers in just 6 matches. She racked up 355 runs while remaining not out twice, leaving her with a towering average of 88.75. Scoring at a rapid strike rate of 148.53, she hit 43 fours and 8 sixes, passing the fifty-run mark 4 times with a best score of 87.
Hollie Armitage
Hollie Armitage has anchor-rolled Durham’s batting brilliantly across 12 matches and 11 innings. She remained unbeaten 4 times on her way to scoring 398 runs, giving her a stellar batting average of 56.85. She kept the scoreboard ticking with a strike rate of 121.34, collecting 45 fours and hitting 4 half-centuries, with a top score of 69*.
Georgia Adams
Georgia Adams has been a dominant force with the ball for Hampshire, leading the attack across all 12 matches. She bowled 48 overs to claim a massive haul of 23 wickets at an incredible average of 12.08 and a sharp economy of 5.79. She struck regularly with a strike rate of 12.52, highlighted by an exceptional best bowling performance of 4/16.
Heather Graham
Heather Graham has been a crucial weapon in the bowling department for Durham, contributing well in her 12 matches. She bowled 43 overs across 11 innings to secure 18 wickets at an average of 16.11. While keeping things relatively tight with a 6.74 economy rate, her best performance of the tournament saw her take 3/19.
Pitch:
Kennington Oval is renowned for its reliable bounce and true carry, historically offering a fantastic surface for stroke-making batters while giving fast bowlers enough carry to test the edge early on. However, recent mid-summer fixtures have shown a shift toward slightly slower surfaces that reward spin bowlers who can skid the ball low or use change-of-pace deliveries.
Weather:
The weather will be sunny during the day and clear into the night. Expect a high temperature of 28°C and a low of 16°C, with a 10% chance of rain during the day and winds coming from the northeast at 8 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hollie Armitage, Katherine Fraser, Mady Villiers, Katie Levick, Lauren Filer, Sophia Turner, Georgia Adams, Maia Bouchier, Poppy Tulloch, Ava Lee, Charli Knott, Rebecca Tyson
Match Details:
Date – July 17, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Kennington Oval, London
Broadcast – ECB App, Website & County YouTube channel
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