Durham Upset the Form Book to Reach Vitality Women’s Blast Final

Hawks End Short of Dream Final after Collapse

Durham produced a stunning upset at the Oval to eliminate Hampshire Hawks from the Vitality Women’s Blast. The Hawks had been the tournament favourites, finishing top of the table and holding a nine‑point lead over fourth‑placed Durham. Their hopes of meeting The Blaze in the championship were dashed by a relentless Durham performance.

Hampshire began confidently after being asked to bat, reaching 49‑1 in the sixth over. However, the middle order wilted, with five wickets falling for just 40 runs. Georgia Adams was dismissed for 15, and the spin of Sophia Turner (3‑21) and Katy Levick (1‑18) kept the pressure mounting. Naomi Dattani top‑scored with an unbeaten 28 from 22 deliveries, while Ella McCaughan added 23 runs.

Durham responded with a solid opening stand of 52 runs between skipper Hollie Armitage (23) and Mady Villiers (25). The momentum shifted, though, when both fell within seven deliveries, sending a ripple of nerves through the batting line‑up. Bess Heath (8), Emily Windsor (1) and Mia Rogers (8) all followed, reducing Durham to 93 for five.

Heather Graham’s Match‑Winning Assault

Already having bowled economically for 1‑25, Heather Graham seized the moment at the non‑striker’s end. The Australian all‑rounder timed her shots to perfection, striking two fours en route to a hard‑fought 35 runs from 32 balls. When Amanda‑Jade Wellington attempted a catch, Graham’s false stroke sent the ball straight to Naomi Dattani at mid‑off.

With 15 runs still needed off 11 deliveries, Durham’s chances looked slim. Yet Grace Thompson (17 not out) and Sophia Turner (7 not out) combined to scramble the required runs, crossing the finish line with four balls remaining. Graham’s knock proved decisive in sealing the victory.

Path to the Final and What It Means

The win sets Durham up for a showdown with The Blaze at 18:45 BST. Confidence is high after two group‑stage victories over the Nottingham side earlier in the competition. This success underscores Durham’s growth and their emergence as genuine contenders for the title.

Key Figures and Performances

• Heather Graham: 35 runs, 1‑25 with the ball
• Sophia Turner: 3 wickets for 21 runs
• Katy Levick: 1 wicket for 18 runs
• Naomi Dattani: 28* from 22 balls
• Hollie Armitage: 23 runs

Durham’s dramatic comeback not only shocks the competition’s expectations but also positions them as serious challengers for the Vitality Women’s Blast crown. The final against The Blaze promises another high‑stakes contest, with the north‑east side carrying momentum from this unforgettable victory.