Tammy Beaumont's Knock Steals the Show as Blaze Win Again

Tammy Beaumont delivered a commanding performance with the bat to steer The Blaze to a seven-wicket victory over Durham in the Vitality Blast, countering a fine innings by Suzie Bates and helping chase down a challenging target of 189. 🏏 Durham Innings: 188/5 Suzie Bates was in vintage form, scoring 77 off 52 balls, anchoring Durham to their highest-ever T20 total. Bess Heath added a valuable 45 (off 27), with an innovative and aggressive cameo. Bates reached her half-century in 37 balls and struck boundaries at will, particularly punishing Georgia Elwiss and Kathryn Bryce. Despite losing wickets in the middle—Villiers (36), Armitage (8), and a quick double blow that removed both Heath and Bates—Durham posted a formidable 188/5. 🔁 Key Bowling Performances for The Blaze: Cassidy McCarthy and Sarah Glenn got crucial wickets early and mid-innings. Glenn, especially, was vital with her 2 for 25, dismissing both Villiers and Armitage. Despite a powerful middle-overs surge by Durham, The Blaze managed to pull things back slightly towards the death. 🏹 The Blaze Innings: 191/3 (18.3 overs) The chase started shakily with Marie Kelly falling for 0 in the very first over. Enter Tammy Beaumont, who played one of the finest innings of the tournament so far: Scored 81 off just 48 balls Reached her fifty off 31 deliveries Smashed 2 sixes and 11 fours Her second-wicket partnership of 118 with Kathryn Bryce (39) turned the match decisively. After Bryce fell, Beaumont continued to dominate before eventually being dismissed, but by then the match was firmly in The Blaze’s control. The Blaze reached the target with nine balls to spare, notching their fourth win of the campaign. 🔥 Match Highlights: Suzie Bates' 77: Elegant and authoritative. Tammy Beaumont’s 81: Match-winning brilliance with poise and power. Sarah Glenn’s 2 crucial wickets: Key to preventing a 200+ score. Kathryn Bryce's all-round impact: Steady bowling and a vital 39 with the bat. 🧮 Impact on the Table: The Blaze consolidate their spot in the top half of the table with another confident win. Durham, despite their record score, will be concerned about their death bowling and inability to defend big totals. Summary: A showcase of experienced international talent, with Beaumont’s class outshining Bates’ brilliance in a high-scoring thriller. The Blaze are looking more and more like a title-contending outfit as the season progresses. The Blaze 190 for 3 (Beaumont 81) beat Durham 188 for 5 (Bates 77) by seven wickets