In an exciting last game of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, Lancashire Women won the day, taking their second title of the 2025 season. Gaby Lewis’s stunning century, combined with a precious partnership with Seren Smale, put Lancashire in good position as they chased Hampshire’s score of 289 with ease. The victory is added to their previous success in the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, making it a season to remember for the team.
Lancashire’s Thrilling Chase: Gaby Lewis Century In Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final
Lancashire’s 289-run chase was built on a stunning 141 runs by Ireland international Gaby Lewis, who played a calm and match-winning inning of 141 off 143 deliveries. Lewis was ably assisted by Seren Smale, who scored 72 runs in a vital 144-run association. Despite of a run-out early in the innings, Alice Clarke was caught out by Freya Kemp’s direct throw. Lancashire was tremendous in their display of resilience.
The Lewis-Smale combination, even though they were not leaving the required rate behind, maintained command of the pursuit. Both players registered half-centuries, and Lewis achieved her 100 off 121 balls, with a quiet fist pumping as she took her team to a triumph.
Smeal and Threlkeld’s Key Contributions
Smale’s innings was halted when she was caught by Kemp at short midwicket, but Fi Morris was run out via a direct hit from Naomi Dattani. Lewis, however, maintained her slow but steady progress, and Lancashire captain Threlkeld helped keep the chase going. Threlkeld’s conservative strategy assisted in taking the score to a point closer, even as she was caught by England previous bowler Freya Davies in what turned out to be Davies’ final wicket before her retirement.
Ailsa Lister’s Role towards Winning the Game
Even as the wickets fell at a regular pace, Lancashire’s captain and tail-ender Ailsa Lister kept her cool. She ran a single with nine balls in hand, securing the win and giving rise to delirious celebrations.
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Hampshire’s Solid Beginnings and Batting Input
Earlier in the day, Hampshire had put up a tough total of 288/7. Maia Bouchier and Georgia Adams provided a solid platform with an opening stand of 70. Bouchier, who had not been at her best in the Women’s Ashes, came good with a run-a-ball 50. She had already crossed 1,000 runs in both the Vitality Blast and One-Day Cup this season and made her knock even more critical.
But Hampshire’s run was stalled once they started losing wickets at a steady rate in the latter part of the innings. Once Bouchier got out, Freya Kemp’s 41 at a quick clip and Adams’ elegant 77 continued to keep Hampshire’s score moving, but consistent wickets at the end by Lancashire limited them from touching 300.
Lancashire Bowlers Dominate the Death Overs
Grace Potts was instrumental in Lancashire’s successful defense, claiming three important wickets for 47 runs, among whom were Southby, Norgrove, and Nancy Harman. Lancashire bowlers were unrelenting during the last overs, keeping Hampshire from picking up speed in the latter part of their innings.
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Hampshire’s Double Heartbreak
For Hampshire, the loss was a bitter reliving of last season’s agony, having been runners-up in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Yesterday, Hampshire’s men’s team had come up short in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final against Worcestershire. With their good start and personal performances, Hampshire’s failure to see out games meant they were left to regret missed chances in both competitions.
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