The 54th match of the Women’s T20 Blast 2025 sees Hampshire Women host The Blaze Women at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on July 18. Both sides have plenty to play for as the league approaches its climax. The Blaze, currently sitting higher in the table, will look to consolidate their place in the top three and push towards Finals Day, while Hampshire aim to close the gap and keep their qualification hopes alive. This fixture promises plenty of excitement, with the match scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM under lights, raising the stakes in front of a passionate crowd.
One of the biggest talking points is the presence of Australian superstar Ellyse Perry in the Hampshire squad. Since joining for the latter half of the season, Perry has made an immediate impact, bringing experience and quality to the Hawks lineup. Hampshire will also rely on the resilience of Rhianna Southby—whose recent T20-best 64 was a stand-out against The Blaze. For The Blaze, Heather Graham’s dynamic all-round abilities and the steady hand of Ella Claridge have powered key wins this season. Kathryn Bryce, a proven wicket-taker, will also play a vital role as both leader and strike bowler.
Squads:
Hampshire Women’s Cricket Team
Abigale Norgrove, Daisy Mullan, Ella McCaughan, Georgia Adams, Maia Bouchier, Poppy Tulloch, Ava Lee, Charli Knott, Ellyse Perry, Freya Kemp, Mary Taylor, Naomi Dattani, Rhianna Southby, Bex Tyson, Daisy Gibb, Freya Davies, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Megan Sturge, Nancy Harman, Rebecca Tyson
The Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Ella Claridge, Georgie Boyce, Maddy Green, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Prisha Thanawala, Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Elwiss, Heather Graham, Kathryn Bryce, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Orla Prendergast, Amy Jones, Sarah Bryce, Scarlett Hughes, Amy Wheeler, Cassidy McCarthy, Charley Phillips, Grace Ballinger, Josie Groves, Kirstie Gordon, Lucy Higham, Olivia Baker, Sarah Glenn
Players to watch out:
Rhianna Southby
Rhianna Southby plays for Surrey and Southern Brave and is known for her sharp glovework and right-handed batting. Southby made her county debut in 2016 at just 15 and has since established herself as one of the fastest hands behind the stumps in the women’s game. In her last 8 innings in the tournament so far, she has scored 215 runs with the bat which includes two half-centuries.
Ellyse Perry
Ellyse Perry is a world-class all-rounder, renowned for her impact in T20 Internationals with both bat and ball. In her last 10 T20 innings with the bat, Perry has scored 361 runs with eight double digit scores including three half-centuries as well. With the ball, she has picked up 8 wickets in 10 innings. Perry’s powerful middle-order batting, effective medium-pace bowling, and sharp fielding make her a key asset for any side she plays for.
Kathryn Bryce
Kathryn Bryce in Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is) has played 49 matches, scoring 1273 runs at an average of 37.44 and a strike rate around 103.74, with 10 half-centuries and the highest score of 73 not out. She has also taken 48 WT20I wickets at an average of 15.14, making her one of Scotland’s most valuable players with both bat and ball. In her last 7 innings with the bat, she has been impressive scoring 159 runs with five double digit scores and picked up 13 wickets with two 4-wicket hauls as well.
Kirstie Gordon
Kirstie Gordon is a left-arm spinner and captain of The Blaze Women in the Women’s T20 Blast 2025. She played a pivotal role in securing her team’s spot in the Finals Day by taking 4 wickets for 23 runs against Essex Women, triggering a dramatic batting collapse and leading to a 35-run victory. Gordon has picked up 13 wickets in her last 8 outings and is recognized for her consistency and impact with the ball.
Pitch:
The Southampton pitch at The Rose Bowl is generally batting-friendly with good bounce and carry. It offers some early assistance to seamers but becomes easier for batters as the game progresses. Spinners can get some turn, making it a balanced surface that often favors teams chasing.
Weather:
The weather in Southampton is expected to be mild and partly cloudy, with temperatures around 19–22°C and only a low chance of rain. Conditions should be ideal for cricket, so an uninterrupted match is likely.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Georgia Elwiss, Heather Graham, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Grace Ballinger, Georgia Adams, Ellyse Perry, Freya Kemp, Rhianna Southby, Linsey Smith, Rebecca Tyson
Match Details:
Date – July 18, 2025
Time – 11:00 PM IST
Venue – The Rose Bowl, Southampton
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
