The buzz and heat in the Women’s Day Cup 2025 is spiking, and all eyes will now turn to the contest between two heavyweights on April 30, featuring table-toppers Lancashire and a determined Hampshire side. Lancashire have been the standout team so far, registering two commanding wins from two games and sit comfortably at the top of the points table with 9 points in the kitty. Hampshire, on the other hand, have had a mixed start—winning one and losing one—but remain firmly in the hunt with 6 points.
Squads:
Lancashire Women’s Cricket Team
Ellie Threlkeld (C), Olivia Bell, Alice Clarke, Danielle Collins, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Phoebe Graham, Liberty Heap, Hannah Jones, Alana King, Emma Lamb, Ailsa Lister, Katie Mack, Fi Morris, Sophie Morris, Tara Norris, Hannah Rainey, Seren Smale
Hampshire Women’s Cricket team
Georgia Adams (C), Charli Knott, Ellyse Perry, Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp, Nancy Harman, Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Ella McCaughan, Mary Taylor, Freya Davies, Bex Tyson, Naomi Dattani, Megan Sturge, Ava Lee, Abi Norgrove, Daisy Mullan, Poppy Tulloch, Daisy Gibb
Players to watch out:
Emma Lamb
Emma Lamb has been in red-hot form for Lancashire Women, emerging as a pillar, and currently leads as the highest run-getter of the season. The right-handed batter has amassed a staggering 282 runs from just two innings, boasting a phenomenal average of 182, while being dismissed once and a decent strike rate of 87.50. Her ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard moving with pace makes her a vital asset.
Eve Jones
The 32-year-old has scored 110 runs from two innings, including a brilliant 97-run knock that played a key role in helping her team maintain a triumphant run in the tournament so far. Showcasing sheer class and temperament, Jones will provide stability and flair to the team’s batting line-up. With a strike rate of 80.88, Jones combines composure with the ability to find gaps and rotate strike effectively.
Linsey Smith
Linsey Smith has been a standout performer with the ball for Hampshire Women, bringing control and penetration through her slow left-arm orthodox spin. With 7 wickets from just two innings at an impressive average of 9.57, Smith has consistently broken partnerships and applied pressure in the middle overs. Her ability to vary pace and extract turn makes her a key threat on any surface.
Lauren Bell
Bringing pace and precision to her team’s bowling department is Lauren Bell, who has been dominating with her right-arm fast-medium deliveries. In two matches, she has claimed 4 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.35 and an average of 21.75. Bell’s ability to bowl tight lines and generate movement inwards and outwards makes her a constant threat for the opposition bowlers.
Pitch:
The pitch is expected to be neutral, offering something for both batters and bowlers. While it won’t heavily favour either discipline, pacers are likely to get some assistance early on with slight movement off the surface. Maintaining discipline with the new ball could be key to early breakthroughs. As the game progresses, batters who spend time in the middle may find it easier to score.
Weather:
Clear sky with no chances of precipitation is expected for the day. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 20°C, with light winds and humidity at 51%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Rhianna Southby, Seren Smale, Katie Mack, Georgia Adams, Charli Knott, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Maia Bouchier, Freya Kemp, Tara Norris, Mahika Gaur
Match Details:
Date – April 30, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Trafalgar Road Ground
Broadcast – A YouTube live-stream link to the game will be made available.
