Beaumont-Bryce partnership burns through target for The Blaze

Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce powered The Blaze to a dominant win with a blistering run chase. Batting masterclass Beaumont and Bryce tore through the target, making the chase look easy with aggressive batting. The pair took control early and kept the scoring rate high, leaving the opposition with no way back. Their fireworks helped The Blaze seal a convincing triumph in the match. A match-winning partnership from Beaumont and Bryce led from the front as The Blaze chased down the target in style.

Heather Graham, who had top-scored for Durham in their semi-final victory over Hampshire Hawks, did so again with 30 from 23, but their total of 117 for 8 never looked likely to be enough.

Left-arm spinner and captain Kirstie Gordon - who also skippered The Blaze to T20 success in the final edition of the Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2024 - led the way with figures of 3 for 21, while seamer Grace Ballinger took 1 for 22.

Maintaining the trend of the day, Gordon opted to chase after winning the toss, a decision immediately justified by Ballinger's superb opening over which cost a solitary run and removed Durham captain Hollie Armitage without scoring.

Durham innings

Graham, part of The Blaze’s T20 winning side 2 years ago, looked dangerous but fell trying to cut Kathryn Bryce. Gordon dropped Mia Rogers off her own bowling, then made up for it by dismissing her next chance. Durham slumped to 73/5. Grace Thompson and Emily Windsor added 40 off 30 to give Durham hope. Charli Knott (2/25) broke the partnership in the final over, removing both. Durham set a target under a run a ball.

Bryce took five more balls to get there, striking Filer for successive boundaries over point before Beaumont steered Villiers for the winning run in the next over to spark jubilation in The Blaze camp.

The Blaze chase

Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce took control from the start. They batted with composure, hit boundaries regularly and stayed well ahead of the required rate. Lauren Filer’s 3 powerplay overs went for 29, making the chase even easier.