As the ECB Women’s One Day Cup 2025 is up and running at full throttle, all eyes will be on Match No. 14 as high-flying Lancashire Women take on a struggling Essex Women side on May 4.
Lancashire, currently sitting second on the points table with two wins from three games and nine points, will be eager to continue their positive run in the tournament, so far. Meanwhile, it has been an entirely different story for Essex who sit at the eighth spot in the points table, still recovering from three consecutive defeats. The Grace Scrivens-led side will be desperate to turn the tables and get their campaign off the mark.
Squads:
Essex Women’s Cricket Team
Grace Scrivens (C), Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, Amara Carr, Kelly Castle, Kate Coppack, Ariana Dowse, Jo Gardner, Eva Gray, Jodi Grewcock, Cordelia Griffith, Esmae MacGregor, Lissy Macleod, Abtaha Maqsood, Flo Miller, Sophie Munro, Sophia Smale
Lancashire Women’s Cricket team
Ellie Threlkeld (C), Olivia Bell, Alice Clarke, Danielle Collins, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Phoebe Graham, Liberty Heap, Hannah Jones, Alana King, Emma Lamb, Ailsa Lister, Katie Mack, Fi Morris, Sophie Morris, Tara Norris, Hannah Rainey, Seren Smale
Players to watch out:
Eva Gray
In a dispirited bowling performance from the Essex group, Eva Gray has picked up 6 wickets from 3 matches at an average of 19.33 and an economy of 4.83. The right-arm medium pacer has consistently kept things tight while striking at key moments. Essex will be counting on her to lead the bowling effort and challenge Lancashire’s strong batting lineup.
Abtaha Maqsood
In the Women’s One Day Cup 2025, she has made an impact in her lone outing this season, picking up 2 wickets for 56 runs. While she would take minimal time in shaping her performance for the team, her proven record for Scotland — 24 wickets in 13 ODI innings — underscores her potential skill. If the 25-year-old finds her feet in quick time and gets into a smooth rhythm, Maqsood could emerge as a key weapon in Essex’s bowling arsenal.
Emma Lamb
For the Lancashire Women, Emma Lamb has been in some serious touch, smashing 268 runs from just three innings at a breathtaking average of 134. The right-handed batter has batted with consistency and flair, making her a vital player heading into this clash. Essex’s bowlers will need a crystal-clear plan to curb Lamb’s phenomenal run in the season.
Eva Jones
Another batting star for Lancashire Women, Eva Jones has batted with class, scoring 217 runs from three innings at an impressive average of 72.33. The left-handed batter has provided stability and partnered with players with responsibility, making her another key figure in this contest. With her ability to shift gears, Jones will be a key player to score big runs under dwindling conditions in Chelmsford.
Pitch:
The pitch is expected to be a good batting surface, with an average score of 266 in the last 10 innings, suggesting plenty of runs on offer for those willing to build an innings. However, bowlers aren’t completely out of the game, with an average of 8 wickets falling per match. Seamers could get some early movement under cloudy conditions, Shot making becomes easier as the pitch settles down in the middle overs.
Weather:
Cloudy skies with slim chances of precipitation are expected for the day. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 12°C, with light winds and humidity at 54%.
Fantasy XI Picks:
Sophia Smale, Grace Scrivens, Cordelia Griffith, Ellie Threlkeld, Katie Mack, Fi Morris, Tara Norris, Abtaha Maqsood, Jo Gardner, Seren Smale, Mahika Gaur
Match Details:
Date – May 4, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Chelmsford
Broadcast – A YouTube live-stream link to the game will be made available.
