A fiery spell from Issy Wong led Warwickshire Women to a thrilling 20-run victory over The Blaze Women in the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 Blast, as she bagged 4 wickets for just 14 runs, scored 59 off 38 balls, and powered her side to a strong win, a result that sealed their spot in the final against Surrey Women.
Batting first, Warwickshire posted a competitive 163/8 in their 20 overs, despite early setbacks. Opener Meg Austin chipped in with 14, but her partner Davina Perrin fell early for just 1. The innings found stability when Issy Wong and Sterre Kalis combined for a solid 64-run partnership, the highlight of the innings.
Wong was aggressive from the start, smashing 59 off 38 balls, while Kalis held the innings together with a fluent 45 off 33. The middle order, however, faltered. Laura Harris fell for a duck, Natasha Wraith managed just 4, and the lower order crumbled to single digits. Emily Arlott remained unbeaten with a handy 29* off 22 to push Warwickshire past the 160-mark.
For Blaze, Sarah Glenn was the pick of the bowlers, returning 3/29, while Grace Ballinger (1/27), Kirstie Gordon (1/28), and Cassidy McCarthy (1/29) provided vital breakthroughs to keep the run rate in check.
Blaze’s chase began on a wobbly note with Tammy Beaumont dismissed for a duck. However, opener Marie Kelly counterattacked with a brisk 35 off 20, putting together a 55-run stand with Georgia Elwiss, who anchored the innings with a well-paced 53 off 45.
Just when Blaze seemed to be in control, a middle-order collapse saw them lose momentum. Despite late cameos from skipper Kirstie Gordon (15 off 10) and Sarah Glenn (19 off 12), the innings folded at 143 in 19.1 overs.
Warwickshire’s bowlers were relentless, with Issy Wong stealing the spotlight scalping 4/14 in just 3.1 overs. Millie Taylor supported with 3/20, while Emily Arlott (2/35) and Georgia Davis (1/22) kept things tight throughout.
Issy Wong’s all-round brilliance, a blazing 59 with the bat and match-winning 4/14 with the ball rightfully earned her the Player of the Match honours.
This emphatic victory secured Warwickshire Women’s place in the final, where they faced Surrey Women in a highly anticipated title clash.
