Lancashire Thunder prevailed over The Blaze in a rain-affected second semi-final of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup Finals Day, securing a seven-wicket victory.

Kirstie Gordon's side mounted a spirited fightback with the ball after making 86 from their 16 overs, with three quick wickets turning the contest in their favour. But Ellie Threlkeld and Seren Smale provided a platform from which Thunder could secure success with an over to spare.

After losing the toss and being put into bat first, The Blaze got off to a flyer as opener Marie Kelly scored a quick-fire 23 from 12, including five 4s, before being bowled by Sophie Morris. Sarah Bryce was second top scorer for The Blaze, hitting 18 from 22 before being caught and bowled by England International Kate Cross.

However, Thunder restricted them to 13/3 off their remaining 2.4 overs after a break in play as the game was reduced to 16 overs a side. Lancashire’s spin duo of Sophie Morris (2/16 from 3) and Sophie Ecclestone (3/19 from 4) took the bulk of their wickets, with all three of Ecclestone’s wickets coming after the rain delay.

Requiring less than a run a ball to advance to the final, the run-out of Kesteven for a diamond duck on the second ball of their innings, taking on the arm of McCarthy, triggered some Lancashire nerves.

Emma Lamb was then caught off the bowling of Ballinger by Clardige in the next over, also for 0, before Fi Morris was run out in identical fashion to Kesteven for 9, leaving the team at 19/3 from 4.3 overs.

The Blaze’s attack restricted Thunder to 45/3 after the opening 10 overs, six runs behind The Blaze’s 51/4 at the same stage. Cassidy McCarthy and Kirstie Gordon were the pick of the bowlers during this stage, with economies of 2.00 and 2.33 respectively.

However, a 72-run partnership between wicket-keeping duo Ellie Threlkeld (34 from 34) and Seren Smale (35 from 42) allowed Thunder to fight back.

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