Tammy Beaumont stars as Blaze claim T20 Blast summit in 2026

The Blaze surge to the top of the Women's T20 Blast standings after a low-scoring victory over Lancashire Thunder.

Blaze dominate Trent Bridge clash Tammy Beaumont delivered a crucial half-century as The Blaze overcame Lancashire Thunder in a tightly contested match at Trent Bridge. England’s Beaumont top-scored with 59 from 40 deliveries, including eight fours, as her side posted 135 for 9. Despite an unbeaten 49 from Thunder captain Ellie Threlkeld, the visitors fell 15 runs short of the target. Grace Potts starred with a career-best 5-20 for Lancashire, but it was Australia’s Charli Knott who stole the show. ## Knott’s record-breaking spell seals win Australian all-rounder Charli Knott produced a match-defining performance, claiming 4-17 in her spell. Her triple-wicket maiden in the seventh over included the dismissal of compatriot Meg Lanning for 21. Knott’s heroics overshadowed even Potts’ personal best, as the Thunder were bowled out for 120. Georgia Elwiss wrapped up the tail with 3-12 to secure The Blaze’s fifth win from six games. ## Somerset climb into contention Somerset moved into third place, level on points with former leaders Surrey, after a comfortable five-wicket victory over winless Warwickshire. Niamh Holland top-scored with 42 from 31 balls, including five boundaries, as the hosts chased down Warwickshire’s 123 for 8. The win marked Somerset’s fourth success in five matches, keeping their qualification hopes alive. Bex Odgers (25) and Anika Learoyd (20) shared a third-wicket stand of 54 to ensure a smooth chase. ## Warwickshire suffer sixth straight loss Warwickshire’s winless run extended to six defeats after Somerset’s bowlers applied early pressure. Liv Barnes (2-20) and Chloe Skelton (2-26) restricted Warwickshire to 123 for 8, with Meg Austin and Mary Taylor managing just 31 apiece. The visitors, despite winning the toss, failed to build partnerships and were dismissed well inside the scheduled overs. The defeat leaves them adrift at the bottom of the table. ## Hampshire’s spin twins crush Essex Hampshire’s spin attack delivered a crushing blow to Essex’s top-three ambitions with a dominant 55-run victory. Maia Bouchier, overlooked for England’s T20 World Cup squad, smashed an unbeaten 87 to power Hampshire to 155 for 4 at Chelmsford. Amanda-Jade Wellington then produced her best figures of the tournament, taking 5-18, including a hat-trick. Her three dismissals in three balls removed Jodi Grewcock, Flo Miller, and Sophia Smale in successive deliveries. ## Wellington’s record haul derails Essex Amanda-Jade Wellington’s five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, left Essex reeling at just 100 for 9. Georgia Adams (3-18) had earlier removed the Essex top three, setting the stage for Wellington’s onslaught. The victory lifted Hampshire to fifth place on the table, leapfrogging Essex on net run rate. With a game in hand, Hampshire remain in contention for a top-three finish, trailing the leaders by six points. ## Elite performers shine across contests Beaumont, Bouchier, and Wellington all delivered standout performances, underlining their value despite missing England’s global squad. Beaumont’s 59 set the platform for The Blaze’s narrow win, while Bouchier’s 87 was the highest individual score of the season’s Blast campaign. Wellington’s figures of 5-18, including a hat-trick, further enhanced her reputation as Hampshire’s key bowler. Knott’s 4-17 proved decisive in The Blaze’s victory over the Thunder. ## Table reshuffle adds drama to season The Blaze now lead the Women’s T20 Blast by a single point after their triumph over Lancashire Thunder. Somerset, with their fifth-wicket win over Warwickshire, sit third alongside Surrey on points. Hampshire’s victory over Essex moves them into fifth, just ahead of the defeated side on net run rate. The tight margins and contrasting fortunes keep the competition unpredictable as the season nears its climax.