Kirstie Gordon stressed that The Blaze are still in a strong position to qualify directly for the Metro Bank One Day Cup final despite falling to defeat by Hampshire at Utilita Bowl.

"It is one of those days, but we are still in the driver's seat,” said captain Gordon. “We have got cricket to play, and it is in our hands.

“Hopefully, there are plenty of learnings from today that will hold us in good stead over the next 10 days or so."

A magnanimous Gordon credited the hosts’ performance, and outlined how she thought her side were not at their best.

“Fair play to Hampshire, I thought they played really well through the whole game,” she said. “We’ve been fairly beaten today.

“We had a lot of starts with the bat, but no one really kicked on, which was disappointing. [Maia] Bouchier played superbly and was well assisted by those around her.”

The Scotswoman went on to say where she felt The Blaze fell short with the bat, but retained an upbeat tone throughout.

"It was disappointing that one of us couldn't go in and go big to get us to a 280-type score,” she said.

“Even with 250 it felt we were competitive, but they played good risk-free cricket.”

Gordon’s charges turn their attention to a final group-stage clash with Essex at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Friday, with a win by any margin enough to leapfrog Hampshire back into top spot.