DURHAM BEAT HAMPSHIRE TO REACH WOMEN'S BLAST FINAL

Durham defeated Hampshire Hawks by four wickets in the semi-final of the Vitality Women's Blast at the Oval to reach the final. Hampshire, who finished top of the table and entered as favourites, were restricted to 129-8 after being asked to bat first. Sophia Turner took 3-21 and Katy Levick claimed 1-18 as Hampshire lost five wickets for 40 runs in the middle order, including captain Georgia Adams for 15. Naomi Dattani's unbeaten 28 from 22 balls provided the main resistance for Hampshire, with Ella McCaughan also contributing 23.

Durham's chase began well with skipper Hollie Armitage and Mady Villiers putting on a 52-run partnership for the opening wicket, but both fell in quick succession. The side appeared to falter at 93-5 as Bess Heath, Emily Windsor and Mia Rogers all departed cheaply. Heather Graham, the Australian all-rounder, then took control of the innings. Having already returned bowling figures of 1-25, Graham scored 35 from 32 balls, striking two fours and manoeuvring the ball into gaps. Grace Thompson finished 17 not out and Sophia Turner 7 not out as Durham completed the chase with four balls remaining.

Durham will contest the final against The Blaze at the Oval on 18 June at 18:45 BST. Durham won both group-stage encounters against The Blaze, who are based in Nottingham. The final will decide the Vitality Women's Blast champions.