Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce put on a 118-run stand to lead The Blaze to a dominant 10-wicket win over Durham to secure the Women’s Vitality Blast title at The Kia Oval.
Blaze knocked off defending champions Surrey by six wickets in the semi-final, limiting their opponents to a score of 105 all out after impressive contributions from Player of the Tournament Charli Knott (4-15) and Grace Ballinger (3-18),
But it was recent international retiree Beaumont (54no) and Bryce (53no) who led the way with the bat in the final as they cruised to victory.
Tammy Beaumont led her side to a brilliant title win
Durham – who booked their place in the final after a thrilling run chase saw them upset Hampshire by four wickets with four balls to spare – were led by Heather Graham (30 off 23), but impressive bowling by spinner Kirstie Gordon (3-21) left them with a tall task to defend a low total of 117-8, which Blaze’s openers saw off with 6.4 overs to spare.
Beaumont and Bryce’s title-winning opening partnership was the highest in this year’s tournament, and led the Midlanders to the title in just the second edition of the revamped Blast.
The Blaze won their first T20 competition
Gordon won the toss and elected to bowl after a low-scoring day saw a high score of just 131 in either semi-final, and it paid dividends straight away as Ballinger took the wicket of Durham captain Hollie Armitage (0) with the fourth ball of her innings.
Grace Thompson (20), Emily Windsor (20) and Mady Villiers (16) backed up Graham’s top-score, but a poor run-rate of under six an over ultimately consigned Durham to defeat, despite recording a win over The Blaze earlier in the Blast season.
Beaumont celebrated a brilliant 10-wicket victory
“Absolutely buzzing to get over the line,” match-winner Bryce told Sky Sports. “We’ve had a few disappointments in finals days, so absolutely buzzing with how we came out today.
“It’s not quite been the season I would’ve hoped for [personally], but I feel like different people have stood up at different times throughout the competition.
“I was glad to stand up today and put one in for the team.”
Watch Men’s Vitality Blast Finals Day live on Sky Sports Cricket on Saturday (first ball 11am). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
