Rain Can't Dampen Durham's Spirits as Thompson Shines

Thompson’s Ice-Cool Over Seals DLS Thriller for Durham Grace Thompson held her nerve in a rain-affected finish to bowl Durham to a one-run DLS victory over Hampshire Hawks, clinching their first win in the Women’s Vitality Blast in dramatic style. Rain and Pressure Combine in Dramatic Finale With Durham posting 119 on a slow, sticky surface at the Riverside, heavy rain loomed large, meaning five overs of Hampshire’s chase were required to constitute a match: Maia Bouchier (2x4s) gave Hampshire a bright start, lifting them to 30 at the five-over mark, exactly par on the DLS chart. But Trudy Johnson ended the fifth with two crucial dot balls, keeping the scores level. When the sixth over was allowed to begin, five runs were needed—but Grace Thompson conceded just three, tying down both Freya Kemp and Bouchier. The umpires then took the players off as the rain intensified, leaving Hampshire two runs short of the revised target and handing Durham a one-run win by DLS. Durham’s Gritty Innings Anchored by Bates and Heath Put in to bat with weather looming, Durham posted 119, led by: Suzie Bates (34) – top-scoring on a sluggish track with limited pace. Bess Heath (29 off 19)* – a vital late blitz, including a big six over midwicket. The side managed just eight boundaries and scored only 23 runs on the offside, underscoring the difficulty of scoring. Freya Davies (2 for 20) and Bex Tyson (2 for 15) impressed with the ball, both claiming two wickets each. Hampshire’s Chase Undone by Late Pressure Needing 30 in five overs to win (without further wickets falling), Hampshire were cruising before: Ella McCaughan (0) fell to Mady Villiers, ending her three-match half-century streak. Charli Knott was bowled by Katie Levick, upping the required rate. Bouchier counterattacked but couldn’t finish the job against Thompson’s tight over. Match Summary 🟢 Durham 119/7 (Bates 34, Heath 29; Davies 2-20, Tyson 2-15) Hampshire Hawks 33/2 in 6 overs (DLS Target: 35) Result: Durham won by 1 run (DLS method) 🏆 Player of the Match: Grace Thompson (0-3 in match-winning 6th over)*