over Lancashire Thunder at Blackpool in the Women’s Vitality Blast. A composed unbeaten 74 from the stylish opener saw her side cruise past the target for their third win of the campaign
The win reinforced Bouchier’s knack with the bat, arriving after she had not been picked for England’s squad to tour South Africa for their tenth Women’s T20 World Cup. Disappointment will not prevent the Hampshire batter from providing performances, as she responded in the best way possible to lead her team to victory with a match-winning knock when they needed it most.
In an unusually chaotic first hour on a glorious day, Hampshire struck with the ball early in the day and while Lancashire initially struggled to get any rhythm. There was also a bright start for Naomi Dattani (facing her former county) who immediately made an impact by taking the wicket of Eve Jones in the first over. Skipper Georgia Adams opened the bowling for Hampshire and was immediately rewarded, claiming Tilly Kesteven fish off the very first ball she bowled to leave them 23 for 2.
Just five overs of the match was played before heavy rain crossed Blackpool, delaying play for over an hour as the players left briefed. Disaster for Lancashire immediately after the restart when Dattani made it two in quick succession by having Grace Johnson back below her armpit cheaply.
With their title defence facing an early threat, there was plenty resting on the shoulders of Australian star Meg Lanning and captain Ellie Threlkeld for Lancashire. The pair then shared a valuable 80-run partnership to steady the innings. With her trademark calmness and intent, Lanning brought up her half-century in just 41 balls. Her 64 runs included five fours and a huge six before she was finally caught out, edging Bex Tyson to wicketkeeper Rhianna Southby.
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Threlkeld also made an influential cameo, with 45, which lifted Lancashire to 130 for 7.
Hampshire lost a wicket early in response but Bouchier and Adams quickly put the visitors back on ttop It effectively ended Lancashire’s hopes of successfully defending the target, having put on 114. Adams brought stability while Bouchier, more elegant with practically every stroke and shot selection a class apart from her peers.
They then made 133 for 2, some way cynical to put to bed LancashMaia Bouchier continued her excellent run of form with a splendid 77 to lead Hampshire Women to an eight-wicket victoryire Thunder’s time in front of the season. For Bouchier, it was yet another reminder of her quality and a clarion call to future international ambitions.