The Blaze secured a commanding 44-run victory over Somerset at Taunton on Sunday, a result that significantly boosts their chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup, while extinguishing Somerset’s hopes with just two games remaining[1][2].
Blaze Set the Tone with Strong Opening Stand
After winning the toss and electing to bat on a drying pitch with brisk outfield conditions, The Blaze started aggressively. The opening duo, Ella Boyce and Sarah Bryce, exploited the short boundaries beautifully, accumulating 61 runs without loss in just seven powerplay overs. Their onslaught included 11 boundaries, putting Somerset’s seamers under immediate pressure. Despite efforts from Somerset’s bowlers, including the introduction of spinners Bethan Dean and Emily Wellington to stem the flow, the Bryce sisters maintained a high rate of scoring[1].
Dean did manage to claim Boyce for 31 at a run-a-ball pace, but Sarah Bryce went from strength to strength. Her assured innings featured 10 fours en route to a commanding half-century off 40 balls, showcasing why she’s considered one of the country’s most exciting talents[1].
Middle Overs – A Respite but Blaze Keep Control
Somerset’s offspinner Chloe Skelton broke Bryce’s innings in the 18th over with a well-executed dismissal, providing the home side a glimmer of hope. Yet that reprieve was fleeting as Kathryn Bryce—Sarah’s sister and a key all-rounder for The Blaze—joined Prendergast to rebuild the innings. The duo combined clever placement and sharp running to post an unbeaten third-wicket partnership worth 73 runs in just eight overs, steadily steering their team toward a competitive total[1].
Somerset’s bowlers struggled to find consistent breakthroughs against the Bryces, a duo whose batting cohesion proved too strong for the Windmill Counties outfit.
Somerset’s Late Fightback Falls Short
Chasing 253 to win on a tricky ground, Somerset started sluggishly. The middle order, led by Wellington and Wilson, staged a spirited 69-run partnership in the late stages over 6.5 overs. Wellington, in particular, impressed with a rapid 50 off just 26 balls, striking 10 fours and briefly shifting momentum towards the home side. The fiery sequence included a burst of five consecutive fours off Prendergast, putting Blaze under pressure for the first time in the match[1].
However, key breakthroughs by Elwiss and a crucial run out by Kathryn Bryce ended Somerset’s resistance. Wellington’s dismissal signaled the end of the contest, leaving Somerset well short at 169 and suffering a heavy defeat[1][2].
Standout Performers
- Sarah Bryce: The top scorer for The Blaze, her 50-ball half-century, laced with precision and power, laid the foundation for the victory.
- Kathryn Bryce: Played a vital supporting role both with the bat and in the field, exemplifying why she is a lynchpin for Blaze.
- Emily Wellington: Somerset’s shining light with a quickfire 50 but lacked enough support to change the outcome.
- Bethan Dean: Picked up an early wicket, but overall Somerset’s bowling unit struggled to contain Blaze’s run flow.
What This Means for Both Teams
With this victory, The Blaze cement their position in the top three of the Women’s One-Day Cup standings. Their emphatic win not only boosts their confidence but also keeps them strongly placed for the tournament’s crucial final stages with two games remaining[1][2]. The Bryce sisters have once again demonstrated their pivotal influence for Blaze, combining youthful exuberance with composure under pressure.
For Somerset, this crushing loss spells the end of their knockout aspirations in the tournament. Despite glimpses of resistance, their inability to contain Blaze’s batting and finish off the chase will prompt serious reflection. With only two matches left, their focus now must shift to finishing on a positive note and building towards next season[1].
This encounter underscores the importance of all-round contributions and seizing key moments. The Blaze’s blend of aggressive starts and middle-overs control proved far too much for Somerset, who fought valiantly but lacked the firepower and consistency needed to stay in the contest.
Fans will look forward to seeing if the Bryce sisters can maintain this formidable form as The Blaze push toward a presumed finals berth in the Women’s One-Day Cup. Meanwhile, Somerset must regroup quickly to salvage pride and resume better form in the remaining fixtures of this competitive season.
Source: www.espncricinfo.com