The Blaze Seal Semi-Final Spot with Four-Wicket Win Over Durham Women

The Blaze Seal Semi-Final Spot with Four-Wicket Win Over Durham Women

The Blaze secured their place in the semi-finals of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition with a composed four-wicket victory over Durham Women in a tense encounter at Trent Bridge.

Chasing a competitive target of 253, The Blaze were guided home by half-centuries from Orla Prendergast (67 off 79) and Kathryn Bryce (66 off 72), whose 107-run third-wicket stand laid the foundation for the win. Georgia Elwiss, the veteran England allrounder, saw the side over the line with an unbeaten 46 from 45 balls — her calm presence ensuring there were no late hiccups.

Victory means The Blaze will guarantee a home semi-final if they beat Essex, who sit bottom of the table, in their final group-stage fixture on Saturday. Meanwhile, Durham Women still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the top four — but must beat Surrey and hope for favourable results elsewhere.

Durham Post Competitive 252

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Durham made a solid start despite early setbacks. Mady Villiers was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a career-best 79 off 88 balls, including 12 boundaries. She shared a 75-run partnership with Emily Windsor (54 off 75) to anchor the innings after the early loss of skipper Hollie Armitage and opener Emma Marlow.

Villiers reached her half-century with fluent strokeplay, while Windsor complemented her well before being stumped off Kirstie Gordon shortly after reaching her own fifty. Durham looked well placed at 210 for 7 in the 45th over, but late fireworks — including two back-to-back sixes from Katherine Fraser — pushed the total to a respectable 252 for 9.

The Blaze’s bowlers maintained control during the middle overs, with Elwiss, Kathryn Bryce, and Gordon taking two wickets each, while Georgia Elwiss also celebrated her 200th wicket in women’s List A cricket by bowling Bess Heath.

Blaze Top Order Sees Off the Chase

In reply, The Blaze matched Durham’s powerplay total of 47, but with one wicket fewer lost. Despite losing Georgie Boyce and Sarah Bryce early, the experienced pairing of Prendergast and Kathryn Bryce turned the tide with a mix of aggression and composure.

The duo brought up their 50-stand in just 45 balls, with Prendergast showcasing her power by clearing the boundary twice off Katie Levick. By the halfway mark, The Blaze were well on track at 130 for 2.

Although both Prendergast and Bryce fell in quick succession — and there were minor wobbles with the dismissals of Michaela Kirk and Ella Claridge — Elwiss stood firm. Her calm, measured knock ensured that the equation, which had once read 82 required off 19 overs, was overhauled with time to spare.

What It Means

  • The Blaze: Clinch a semi-final spot. A win over Essex on Saturday will secure them a home fixture.

  • Durham Women: Can still qualify for the top four but need to beat Surrey and depend on other results.

Match Summary

Durham Women: 252/9 in 50 overs (Villiers 79, Windsor 54; Elwiss 2-39, K Bryce 2-41, Gordon 2-43)
The Blaze: 256/6 in 47.5 overs (Prendergast 67, K Bryce 66, Elwiss 46*)

Result: The Blaze won by 4 wickets
Venue: Trent Bridge
Competition: Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup 2025