Jones and Smale Shine as Surrey and Lancashire Power into T20 Women’s County Cup Semi-Finals

Emma Jones delivered a career-best performance with the bat to guide a depleted Surrey side into the semi-finals of the T20 Women’s County Cup with a commanding 72-run win over Durham at Guildford. Despite missing key players Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, and Alice Capsey due to England duty, Surrey’s depth was on full display as 22-year-old Jones smashed an unbeaten 88 off just 49 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. Her innings came after a shaky start, with Surrey losing both openers early, but a crucial 88-run third-wicket partnership with Phoebe Franklin (58 off 41) laid the foundation for an imposing total of 194 for 4.

Durham, led by the returning Lauren Filer—back from a knee injury—struggled to contain Surrey’s momentum, even with the experienced Mady Villiers and Katie Levick in the attack. In response, Durham faltered under scoreboard pressure and were bowled out for 122 in 19.1 overs. Ryana MacDonald-Gay led the way with the ball, taking 2 for 22 in a disciplined four-over spell.

Meanwhile, Lancashire put on an even more dominant display at Kibworth, thrashing Leicestershire by 109 runs. Seren Smale’s composed half-century anchored Lancashire’s total of 180 for 4, aided by aggressive cameos from Emma Lamb (41 off 29) and captain Ellie Threlkeld (45 off 27). Sophie Ecclestone continued her comeback from injury with an impactful all-round effort—scoring a quickfire 15 and claiming 3 for 14 in her 3.5 overs. Tara Norris was even more economical, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 7 as Leicestershire were bundled out for 71, falling with a ball remaining in their innings.

With these emphatic wins, both Surrey and Lancashire have stamped their authority on the competition, highlighting both their depth and balance as they head confidently into the semi-final stage.

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