Emma Lamb Shines with Bat and Ball as Lancashire Crush The Blaze in Women’s One-Day Cup

Emma Lamb staked a strong claim for England selection with a stunning all-round performance as Lancashire began their Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup campaign with a dominant eight-wicket win over The Blaze. With newly-appointed England head coach Charlotte Edwards watching from the stands, Lamb starred with an unbeaten 130 and took 3 for 42 in a commanding display.

The 26-year-old allrounder first helped restrict The Blaze to 234 all out by picking up key middle-order wickets, then anchored Lancashire’s successful chase with a composed century that included 15 boundaries. Her knock came off 125 balls and was her fifth List A hundred.

Lamb's brilliance with the bat came after an early scare when she was dropped twice – first on 17 by Georgia Elwiss and again on 26 by Josie Groves – but she made the most of those reprieves. Alongside overseas signing Katie Mack (44), Lamb shared a 114-run second-wicket stand that put Lancashire firmly in control. After Mack’s dismissal, Lamb combined with Seren Smale (38*) to finish the chase with five overs to spare.

Blaze Lose Momentum After Bryce’s Stand

Earlier, Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce led The Blaze’s effort with a well-crafted 70, continuing her fine form from international duty. She added 82 with Elwiss (49) for the third wicket, setting a strong platform at 146 for 3. However, a middle-order collapse saw The Blaze lose four wickets for just six runs, crumbling to 197 for 7 in the 43rd over.

Bryce’s dismissal, caught at mid-off just after a boundary, marked the turning point, followed by rapid exits for Prendergast, Claridge, and Boyce, all falling to lapses in judgment rather than standout deliveries. Despite a brief cameo from Groves (21), The Blaze’s total felt below par.

Lancashire’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout. Hannah Jones impressed with 3 for 38, and England seamer Kate Cross delivered 39 dot balls, though she was unlucky to go wicketless, with two catches dropped off her bowling.

Missed Opportunities Cost The Blaze

The Blaze were further undone by their fielding, dropping Lamb three times during her innings. Their bowlers also leaked early runs with poor lines, giving Lancashire the momentum in the chase. Bryce, bowling herself, managed to pick up a wicket with her first ball – a return catch to remove Eve Jones – but it was too little to halt the Lancashire charge.

England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn had a brief impact with the ball, removing Mack to break the key second-wicket partnership, but the damage had already been done.

A Statement Performance

For Emma Lamb, it was a performance that not only secured a big opening win for Lancashire but also underlined her credentials ahead of a crucial summer for the England Women’s team. Her blend of composure, aggression, and utility with the ball makes her an attractive option as the national side eyes the ODI World Cup.

Match Summary – Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup Lancashire 235 for 2 (Lamb 130) beat The Blaze 234 (Bryce 70, H Jones 3-38, Lamb 3-42) by 8 wickets*

Lamb’s all-round show sets the tone for Lancashire’s campaign, while Charlotte Edwards’ England reign begins with plenty to ponder on selection fronts.

Emma Lamb Shines with Bat and Ball as Lancashire Crush The Blaze in Women’s One-Day Cup

Blaze Lose Momentum After Bryce’s Stand

Missed Opportunities Cost The Blaze

A Statement Performance

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