Vitality Blast 2026, 17 June 2026- The Blaze Women Crowned Champions After Dominant 10-Wicket Victory Over Durham Women

Durham Women Struggle to Build Momentum

Batting first after losing the toss, Durham Women never found any rhythm against a disciplined Blaze bowling attack.

Captain Hollie Armitage was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, putting her side under immediate pressure. Heather Graham fought back with a valuable 30 off 23 balls, striking five boundaries, while Grace Thompson (20) and Emily Windsor (20) tried to rebuild the innings in the middle overs.

However, regular wickets prevented Durham from accelerating, and they finished with a below-par 117/8 in their 20 overs.

Kirstie Gordon Leads the Bowling Charge

The Blaze bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings and struck at regular intervals.

Kirstie Gordon starred with figures of 3/21 in four overs, removing three key batters.
Charli Knott provided excellent support with 2/25.
Grace Ballinger and Kathryn Bryce chipped in with one wicket each to complete a disciplined bowling performance.

The collective effort ensured Durham never managed a significant partnership.

Bryce and Beaumont Make Light Work of the Chase

Needing just 118 runs for victory, The Blaze openers dominated from the outset.

Sarah Bryce played a composed unbeaten innings of 53 from 41 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while England international Tammy Beaumont matched her with a stylish 54 not out off 39 deliveries, including seven fours.

The pair shared an unbeaten 118-run opening partnership, comfortably guiding The Blaze to victory in just 13.2 overs.

Durham's bowlers were unable to make a breakthrough as The Blaze completed one of the most dominant chases seen in a Vitality Blast Women's final.

Match Summary

Durham Women: 117/8 (20 overs)

Heather Graham – 30 (23)
Grace Thompson – 20 (21)
Emily Windsor – 20 (16)

The Blaze Women: 118/0 (13.2 overs)

Sarah Bryce – 53* (41)
Tammy Beaumont – 54* (39)

The Blaze Women won by 10 wickets.

Top Performers
The Blaze Women
Sarah Bryce – 53* (41)
Tammy Beaumont – 54* (39)
Kirstie Gordon – 3/21
Charli Knott – 2/25
Durham Women
Heather Graham – 30 (23)
Grace Thompson – 20 (21)
Emily Windsor – 20 (16)
Turning Point

The turning point came during Durham's innings when Kirstie Gordon removed key middle-order batters, preventing any late acceleration. Chasing a modest target, Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont never allowed Durham back into the contest, producing a flawless opening stand to wrap up the title in emphatic fashion.

Final Thoughts

The Blaze Women delivered a championship-winning performance worthy of the occasion. Their bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined display before the opening pair of Sarah Bryce and Tammy Beaumont showcased class and composure to complete the chase without losing a wicket.

Winning the Vitality Blast Women 2026 Final by 10 wickets highlights The Blaze's dominance and crowns an outstanding campaign with silverware.