Durham Women booked their place in the Women’s T20 Blast 2026 final after defeating Hampshire Women by four wickets in a tense semi-final at The Oval.
Heather Graham led the chase with 35 from 32 balls as Durham reached 131/6 in 19.2 overs, completing the target with four deliveries remaining.
Durham Restrict Hampshire to 129
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Durham kept Hampshire under pressure with regular wickets.
Maia Bouchier and Ella McCaughan added 20 for the opening wicket before Sophia Turner dismissed Bouchier for seven. McCaughan continued positively, scoring 23 from 16 balls, but Lauren Filer ended her innings after Hampshire had moved to 49.
Captain Georgia Adams contributed 15, while Nancy Harman and Rhianna Southby added useful runs through the middle overs. However, neither was able to convert their start into a major innings.
Naomi Dattani provided the strongest late contribution, remaining unbeaten on 28 from 22 deliveries. Her effort helped Hampshire recover sufficiently to post 129/8 from their 20 overs.
Turner was Durham’s most successful bowler, finishing with 3/21. Filer, Katie Levick, Trudy Johnson and Graham also claimed one wicket each as Hampshire struggled to build a decisive partnership.
Villiers and Armitage Provide Strong Start
Durham began the chase well through Mady Villiers and captain Hollie Armitage.
The opening pair added 52 runs, giving Durham an excellent platform. Villiers made 25 from 27 balls before being dismissed by Poppy Tulloch, while Armitage scored 23 from 19 before falling to Dattani.
Hampshire then fought back with several quick wickets. Bess Heath was dismissed for eight, Emily Windsor made one, and Mia Rogers was run out for eight as the chase became increasingly tense.
Graham Holds Durham Together
Graham remained composed despite the wickets falling around her. The all-rounder rotated the strike effectively and kept Durham close to the required rate with a crucial 35 from 32 deliveries. Her dismissal at 118 gave Hampshire renewed hope of completing a late comeback.
Grace Thompson and Sophia Turner, however, handled the pressure calmly. Thompson finished unbeaten on 17 from 14 balls, while Turner added seven not out from six.
Their unbroken 13-run partnership guided Durham over the line at 131/6.
Hampshire Fall Short in Close Finish
Poppy Tulloch led Hampshire’s bowling effort with figures of 2/22, while Dattani, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Bex Tyson claimed one wicket each.
Hampshire remained in contention until the final over, but their total of 129 ultimately proved too low to defend.
Durham’s four-wicket victory completed a memorable upset over the tournament favourites and secured their place in the Women’s T20 Blast 2026 final.
