The Blaze and Bears Women opened their Vitality Blast season with a thrilling tie at Trent Bridge after a gripping run chase and dramatic final moments. Both sides walked away with a share of the points after the chase came down to the final over, with Issy Wong holding her nerve to secure a dramatic finish for the Bears.
The Bears’ Innings: Pavely and George Take Charge
The Bears Women set a respectable target of 160 for 8 from their 20 overs, built around a solid 46 from Charis Pavely and a valuable partnership with Katie George. They lost early wickets, but a recovery led by Pavely ensured they finished with a competitive total.
Opening the batting, the Bears’ top order faltered early, with Abbey Freeborn getting run out and Davina Perrin caught at extra cover. Despite losing Maddy Green in the powerplay, Pavely steadied the ship, adding 75 runs with George. The pair hit five fours and a six, with Pavely contributing heavily after surviving an early chance when she was on just 4.
Pavely’s innings came to an end when she was bowled by Kirstie Gordon while attempting a sweep, but she had already laid a solid foundation for the Bears.
After the loss of Laura Harris, Amu Surenkumar, and George in quick succession, the Bears set a challenging target of 161 for The Blaze.
The Blaze’s Chase: Bryce Sisters’ Rescue Act
The Blaze responded with determination as Kathryn Bryce top-scored with 60 not out. The early loss of Marie Kelly in the chase didn’t deter the team, as Bryce and Georgia Elwiss began to build a strong partnership. The Blaze were well-placed at 71 for 1 at the halfway point, with Bryce playing a lucky hand as she survived chances on 5 and 13, both dropped off Wong and Hannah Baker.
Elwiss also survived a close call on 45 before completing her half-century from 36 balls. The pair added over 100 runs before Elwiss was dismissed while trying to take on Pavely’s spin.
Kathryn Bryce continued to anchor the innings, bringing up her 50 from 44 balls, but the run chase began to tighten with 26 needed from 18 balls. The pressure mounted as Sarah Bryce joined her sister in the middle and struck a quick 27 from 18 balls, including four boundaries.
The Final Over: Nerve-Wracking Finish
With 9 runs needed off the last over, the tension was palpable. Sarah Bryce managed a couple of boundaries but then miscued a shot to be caught at mid-off. With two needed from two balls, Green was run out trying to take a second run, and the match ended in a tie, with the Bears and The Blaze unable to separate themselves.
Key Performers
- Bears Women:
- Charis Pavely – 46 runs off 38 balls
- Katie George – 25 runs off 22 balls
- Issy Wong – 1 for 27 off 4 overs
- Kirstie Gordon – 1 for 18 off 4 overs
- The Blaze:
- Kathryn Bryce – 60* runs off 46 balls
- Georgia Elwiss – 52 runs off 36 balls
- Sarah Bryce – 27 runs off 18 balls
