The Blaze secured a place in their first Vitality Blast final after defeating defending champions Surrey by six wickets at the Kia Oval.
Charli Knott produced the standout performance with figures of 4/15 as Surrey were bowled out for just 105 in 15.2 overs. The Blaze then completed the chase in the 17th over, reaching 106/4 with 21 balls remaining.
Knott Leads Ruthless Bowling Display
After winning the toss, The Blaze immediately put Surrey under pressure.
Grace Ballinger struck early with an inswinging yorker that bowled Danni Wyatt-Hodge for a duck before removing Kira Chathli, who was caught while attempting a ramp shot.
Laura Harris briefly lifted Surrey’s scoring rate by hitting three boundaries off Charley Phillips and racing to 18 from seven balls. However, Knott ended her dangerous innings when Harris drove a slower delivery straight to cover.
Surrey captain Bryony Smith tried to hold the innings together with 29 from 28 balls, but her dismissal in the 10th over triggered another collapse.
Josie Groves removed Alice Davidson-Richards and Kalea Moore in quick succession before Knott and Ballinger finished off the lower order.
Knott ended with 4/15, moving to the top of the tournament’s wicket-taking standings with 25 wickets. Ballinger claimed 3/18, while Groves returned figures of 2/18.
Surrey Dismissed with 28 Balls Unused
Surrey managed to move past 100 but were bowled out for 105 with 28 deliveries still remaining.
The Blaze were efficient in the field and never allowed the defending champions to build a significant partnership. Smith’s 29 was the highest score of the innings, while Harris was the only other batter to provide meaningful momentum.
Kathryn Bryce Guides the Chase
Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce began the chase cautiously, knowing there was little need to take unnecessary risks. The pair added 38 runs during the Powerplay before Kalea Moore bowled Sarah Bryce with a straight delivery.
Beaumont recovered from a slow start and scored 29 from 30 balls, but she was dismissed while attacking a wide delivery from Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who finished with 2/25.
Kathryn Bryce top-scored with 34 from 34 deliveries and was given a life when Surrey dropped her at point while she attempted a reverse sweep.
Knott also contributed with the bat, striking boundaries with confidence, while Bryce hit consecutive fours off Moore.
Both players were dismissed with the scores level, leaving Emma Jones to sweep the winning run and complete the victory.
The Blaze Reach First Blast Final
The six-wicket win erased the disappointment of The Blaze’s semi-final defeat to Birmingham Bears the previous year.
Their disciplined bowling performance proved decisive, with Knott, Ballinger and Groves combining to take nine wickets before the batters completed a comfortable chase.
