Worcestershire Women’s Rapids’ dramatic Vitality T20 County Cup campaign came to an end with defeat to Surrey, as the Tier One side’s quality proved the difference at a sun-soaked Himley.
Wickets from Caitlin Baker-Smith, Meg Bishop and Lucy Harris (3-38), saw Surrey finish 171-7, demonstrating their quality in the latter stages of the innings.
Having been posed a tough task of 172 to progress to the next round, Surrey’s quality with the ball proved too much for the Rapids, who eventually fell 74 runs short.
After winning the toss, Worcestershire captain Boycott chose to bowl first, and her bowlers kept Surrey in check during the powerplay, allowing just 39 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Caitlin Baker-Smith, Meg Bishop, and Lucy Harris (who took 3 wickets for 38 runs) played key roles in restricting Surrey to 171-7. Baker-Smith made an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Rachel King for 19, while Bishop's introduction into the attack brought another wicket, leaving Surrey at 42-2. The home side's fielding was impressive, highlighted by a stunning boundary save from Ebony-Jade Tweats.
Despite some tight bowling, Surrey managed to build momentum, particularly through a strong partnership between Aylish Cranstone and Paige Schofield, who helped push the score to 127-4 after 16 overs. Harris struck twice in quick succession to claim two more wickets, but Surrey's late-order batters ensured a competitive total.
Chasing 172 runs, Worcestershire's batting lineup struggled from the outset. Baker-Smith was dismissed LBW in the first over, and Bishop followed soon after, leaving the Rapids reeling at 13-2.
Tweats and debutant Amy Griffiths attempted to stabilise the innings, with some aggressive shots, including back-to-back boundaries from Tweats. However, Griffiths fell for 13, and Tweats, who scored 23, was also dismissed shortly after.
With the required run rate climbing above 10 per over, Worcestershire faced an uphill battle.
A brief partnership between Boycott and Maisie Wright offered some resistance, but they ultimately finished their innings at 97-7, well short of the target. Boycott ended unbeaten on 23, sharing the top score for the Rapids with Tweats.
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