Cricket fans were treated to a rollercoaster ride as three high-octane Women’s One Day Cup 2025 clashes lit up the pitch with brilliance, drama, and sheer grit on May 19. From blistering knocks to game-turning spells, the day had it all. Surrey, Hampshire, and Lancashire stormed to thrilling wins, but not without fierce resistance from their opponents.
Match 29 – Surrey Edge Essex in High-Scoring Thriller
At Chelmsford, Surrey Women and Essex Women locked horns in a contest that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Batting first, Surrey found themselves wobbling early, but Kalea Moore walked in with ice in her veins and fire in her shots. Her scintillating 66 off 70 balls revived the innings and lit up the scorecard. Ryana MacDonald-Gay (57 off 77), Alice Davidson-Richards (32 off 41) and Amy Hunter (29 off 29) added vital runs, helping Surrey post a competitive 259. From Essex, Eva Gray was the pick of the bowlers with her 5 for 52.
Essex’s reply was gutsy, led by the fearless Joanne Gardner, who launched a blistering 73 off just 46 balls. Sophia Smale (42 off 63) and Ariana Dowse (44 off 70) chipped in, keeping the chase alive. But Surrey’s bowlers tightened the screws. Alexa Stonehouse delivered a spell straight out of a bowler’s textbook, conceding just 32 in her 9 overs while MacDonald-Gay took 3/52 (7.2) and Danielle Gregory took 4/58 (10). Essex battled till the end but fell short by 14 runs, leaving Surrey victorious in a heart-thumper.
Match 30 – Hampshire Hold Their Nerve in a 3-Wicket Win Over Warwickshire
Meanwhile, over in Arundel, Hampshire Women pulled off a breathtaking chase to stun Warwickshire by three wickets in a match that ebbed and flowed like a tide. Warwickshire posted 243, thanks to a masterclass in control and timing by Abigail Freeborn. Her unbeaten 94 off 129 anchored the innings beautifully, while Charis Pavely brought flair with a cracking 55 off 76. From Hampshire, Freya Davies (2/54) and Georgia Adams (2/37) were the best performers with the ball.
Hampshire had firepower of their own. Charli Knott walked in and lit the stadium ablaze with a magnificent 82 off 88, batting with poise and power. Georgia Adams took charge after Knott’s dismissal, steering the innings with a classy 68 off 109. Despite a late flurry of wickets that opened the door for Warwickshire, Hampshire’s lower order held their nerve. From Warwickshire, Georgia Davis took 3/35 and Charis Pavley took 2/49, but Mary Taylor (21 off 18) struck the final blows, sealing a dramatic win with just four balls to spare
Match 40 – Lancashire Prevails Over Durham in Balanced Encounter
If the first two games weren’t dramatic enough, at Blackpool Lancashire and Durham served up a power-packed clash of their own. Emma Lamb was the heartbeat of Lancashire’s innings, compiling a majestic 84 off 94 that oozed elegance and authority. Backed by Seren Smale’s composed 37 off 51 and Kate Cross’s handy cameo of 24 off 30, Lancashire posted a solid 239. From Durham, Phoebe Turner with her 3/41and Mady Villiers with her 3/39 tried to stop the run flow.
Durham, chasing 240, stumbled early, but Suzie Bates played a captain’s knock of 63 off 90, Hollie Armitage’s 47 off 55 and Bess Heath’s 45 off 44, tried to ignite hopes. However, Lancashire’s bowlers were in no mood to let this one slip. Sophie Morris was exceptional, her 5/33 spell choking the chase just when it threatened to explode. Wickets tumbled, pressure mounted, and Durham were eventually bundled out for 204. A 35-run win for Lancashire, and a statement performance to boot.
These games weren’t just results; they were declarations of intent. And if today was anything to go by, the rest of the season is going to be absolutely unmissable.
