Glenn and Gordon Shine as The Blaze Book Finals Day Spot with Victory over Essex

Glenn and Gordon Shine as The Blaze Book Finals Day Spot with Victory over Essex

The Blaze secured their place at Women’s Vitality Blast Finals Day with a gritty 35-run victory over Essex, defending a modest total of 139 thanks to stellar bowling performances from Sarah Glenn, Kirstie Gordon, and Cassidy McCarthy.

In a low-scoring contest at Chelmsford, England leg-spinner Glenn claimed 3 for 17, while captain Gordon led from the front with 4 for 23, including two wickets in successive deliveries. McCarthy set the tone early with an economical opening spell, conceding just eight runs and taking a key wicket in her three overs. Their combined efforts ensured Essex were restricted to 104 for 9 in their chase, leaving them with only a faint mathematical chance of reaching the knockout stage.

Earlier, Heather Graham top-scored for The Blaze with a brisk 33 off 23 balls. Despite winning the toss and choosing to bat, The Blaze lost early wickets. Georgia Elwiss fell early to Maddie Penna’s tight bowling, while Michaela Kirk was bowled by Jodi Grewcock. The Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah, attempted to rebuild but were undone by leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood, who removed both in the same over.

Graham’s aggressive innings, including a six over long-on, gave The Blaze some momentum before she was dismissed by Eva Gray, who finished with a season-best 4 for 18. Glenn and Lucy Higham added 30 from 24 balls in the middle overs, but Gray returned to take three wickets in four balls and wrap up the innings with two deliveries remaining.

Essex’s reply began cautiously, but McCarthy’s miserly spell, including the dismissal of Grace Scrivens, kept them behind the rate. Glenn then struck twice to remove Lauren Winfield and stifle the chase further.

Grewcock (33 off 31) and Penna (26 off 24) briefly lifted Essex’s hopes, but Gordon removed Penna and then triggered a collapse by removing Gray and Sophia Smale in consecutive deliveries. Kate Coppack, unbeaten on 14, was the only other Essex batter to reach double figures.

The win sees The Blaze through to Finals Day, while Essex are left to rue missed opportunities, their campaign now hanging by a thread.

Match Summary:

The Blaze 139 all out (Graham 33, Gray 4-18)
Essex 104 for 9 (Grewcock 33, Gordon 4-23, Glenn 3-17)
Result: The Blaze won by 35 runs
Venue: Chelmsford
Competition: Women’s Vitality Blast

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