Lancashire secured a four-wicket win over Essex in a dramatic finale to their low-scoring women’s T20 Blast contest at Chelmsford.
Essex almost defended their total of 107 all out, with Lancashire requiring six runs off Sophia Smale’s final over for victory.
Opener Eve Jones was stumped for 59 off the penultimate delivery, leaving new batter Tara Norris needing two off the last ball.
Smale’s delivery went down the leg side and was signalled as a wide, with Norris and Alana King scampering through for the winning run.
Teenage England left-armer Mahika Gaur had earlier taken 3-22 in Lancashire’s bowling effort, in a match between two sides who are unable to reach Finals Day.
Elsewhere, The Blaze – who had already confirmed a semi-final place – were thwarted by rain in their match against Somerset at Taunton.
Blaze opener Georgia Elwiss top-scored with 35 in a total of 138 all out, while Olivia Barnes and Chloe Skelton took three wickets apiece for the hosts.
However, rain came before Somerset were able to start their reply.
