A top-versus-bottom clash is on the cards as table-toppers The Blaze Women take on second-from-bottom Durham Women in what promises to be an engaging contest in match number 38 of the Women’s T20 Blast.
The Blaze have been the standout team of the season so far, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 29 points, having won 6 out of their 9 matches. Their only loss came against Warwickshire, but overall, they’ve been dominant with both bat and ball, showcasing depth and consistency across the board.
On the other hand, Durham Women, with 12 points, are looking to climb out of the lower half of the table. Despite a slow start to the season, they come into this fixture with renewed confidence after a narrow 6-run win over Somerset in their last match. With momentum on their side, Durham will be eager to challenge the league leaders and turn their campaign around.
Squads:
The Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Amy Jones, Sarah Bryce, Ella Claridge, Scarlett Hughes, Tammy Beaumont, Maddy Green, Georgie Boyce, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Natalie Sciver, Heather Graham, Kathryn Bryce, Orla Prendergast, Georgia Elwiss, Josie Groves, Lucy Higham, Sarah Glenn, Kirstie Gordon, Grace Ballinger, Cassidy McCarthy, Charley Phillips, Prisha Thanawala, Olivia Baker, Amy Wheeler
Durham Women’s Cricket Team
Bess Heath, Mia Rogers, Suzie Bates, Hollie Armitage, Emma Marlow, Trudy Johnson, Leah Dobson, Emily Windsor, Mady Villiers, Katherine Fraser, Phoebe Turner, Abigail Glen, Katie Levick, Grace Thompson, Lauren Filer, Sophia Turner, Lizzie Scott
Players to watch out:
Heather Graham
A key contributor in The Blaze’s middle order, Heather Graham stamped her authority with a commanding 73-run knock against Hampshire, guiding her team to a competitive total. In the ongoing WT20 Blast, Graham has played 5 matches, amassing 131 runs at a strike rate of 145, with her highest score being that 73. Her ability to accelerate in the death overs makes her a key middle order asset.
Kathryn Bryce
One of the tournament’s leading all-rounders, Kathryn Bryce has delivered consistently with both bat and ball. She was exceptional against Hampshire, returning figures of 4/13 in just 3 overs, her best spell of the season. In 8 innings, she has picked up 14 wickets and also contributed 239 runs, placing her among the top wicket-takers.
Suzie Bates
Veteran opener Suzie Bates continues to lead from the front. In her recent outing, she struck a fluent 48-run knock, reaffirming her reliability at the top. Over her 9 WT20 Blast career, she has scored 329 runs, with a personal best of 77. Bates is also currently among the highest run-scorers this season and a cornerstone of Durham’s batting lineup.
Sophia Turner
A rising bowling talent for Durham, Sophia Turner impressed with figures of 2/24 against Somerset. She made the most of her opportunities in the Blast, picking up 5 wickets in 4 matches, with her best performance coming in that Somerset clash.
Pitch:
The Trent Bridge pitch in Nottingham generally favors pace bowlers, especially in the early stages of a match. While the pitch can offer good value for batting later in the innings, scoring can be challenging early on.
Weather:
The conditions for the match are expected to be slightly damp with a temperature of 21°C, 35% chance of precipitation, and 56% humidity. Light rain is predicted, so expect delays and interruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Kathryn Bryce, Heather Graham, Katie Levick, Emily Windsor, Natalie Sciver, Suzie Bates, Sophia Turner, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Kirstie Gordon
Match Details:
Date – July 6, 2025
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
