Lancashire Thunder secured their first victory of the Women’s Vitality Blast 2026 with a convincing seven-wicket win over Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford, powered by an unbeaten 75 from Meg Lanning.
Chasing 138, Lancashire completed the task comfortably in 15.3 overs, earning a bonus point alongside the win after restricting Somerset to 137/6.
Somerset Lose Momentum After Bright Start
Somerset, after choosing to bat, began positively with Sophie Luff and Bex Odgers adding 37 in just over four overs. However, the innings lost direction when Hannah Jones struck twice in quick succession, trapping Odgers lbw for 23 and then dismissing Anika Learoyd for 1.
The visitors’ progress slowed further when Niamh Holland was dismissed for 2, giving 16-year-old leg-spinner Venus Weerappuli her first wicket on debut.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, preventing Somerset from building a strong total. Luff was stumped for 42 off 31 balls, while Katie Jones contributed 16 before being caught and bowled.
At 88/5 in the 12th over, Somerset were forced to settle for a modest score. Alex Griffiths was dismissed lbw for 14, but Jess Hazell provided a late push with an unbeaten 23, helping the side reach 137/6.
Hannah Jones was the standout bowler for Lancashire, finishing with 3/20 from her four overs.
Lanning Leads Comfortable Chase
Lancashire made a strong start to the chase, with Meg Lanning and Eve Jones putting together an attacking opening stand. The pair added 62 runs in the powerplay, hitting nine boundaries and putting Somerset’s bowlers under immediate pressure.
Lanning reached her fifty from 30 balls, striking eight fours, before the partnership ended just short of 100 when Eve Jones was bowled for 43 by Erin Vukusic.
Vukusic struck again immediately as Dani Collins fell for a first-ball duck, briefly giving Somerset a glimmer of hope. However, Lanning remained composed and continued to control the chase.
Lancashire Seal Victory in Style
Lanning added another 32 runs alongside Grace Johnson, who scored 16 before being dismissed lbw by Vukusic.
Unfazed by the minor setbacks, Lanning continued her innings and struck a six before Ellie Threlkeld completed the chase with a single.
Lancashire reached 138/3 in 15.3 overs, sealing a dominant win. Vukusic finished with figures of 3/30, but Somerset were unable to defend their total.
