Essex Women will look to make it three wins in a row and four victories from their last five matches when they visit Surrey on Friday.
Essex Women now sit comfortably in third place in the Vitality Blast table following their six-wicket victory over Lancashire Thunder last time out.
Captain Grace Scrivens led the bowling effort with figures of 3-23 as Thunder were restricted to 128. In reply, Lissy Macleod earned the Player of the Match award with an unbeaten 54, sharing crucial partnerships with Scrivens (19) and Jodi Grewcock (39).
Essex secured victory with 13 balls to spare, although the win was slightly overshadowed by Cordelia Griffith being stretchered off after sustaining an injury while fielding.
They now travel to face table-toppers Surrey in what promises to be a fiercely competitive encounter.
Stephen Parry has named a 13-player squad for the trip to London to face Surrey.
Abtaha Maqsood is unavailable due to being selected for Scotland's tri-series and the World Cup.
After sustaining a leg injury against Lancashire Thunder, Cordelia Griffith will undertake rehab and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season. Everyone at Essex County Cricket Club wishes Cordelia the best in her recovery.
Captain: Bryony Smith
Overseas: Laura Harris (Australia)
2025 finish: Winners
2025 leading run-scorer: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (377)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Ryana MacDonald-Gay (15)
Winter moves: Laura Harris has arrived as the overseas star to fill the void left by her younger sister Grace, who was a huge hit last year. Emma Jones has left for The Blaze while Alexa Stonehouse is on loan at Warwickshire and Tash Farrant has retired. Rachel King and Emily Burke (academy) have joined the squad.
The big question: Surrey are victims of their own success in many ways with four players named in the England squad for the T20 World Cup (more than any other county) and Priyanaz Chatterji called up for Scotland. How will they compensate for the loss of three of their top six and the spin wizardry of Tilly Corteen-Coleman? Opportunity certainly knocks for others.
Wildcard watch: Alice Monaghan – all-rounder Monaghan was just finding her way into the team during last season’s tournament but appears much more of a fixture now. A more than useful seamer, Monaghan will also be needed to fill one of the voids in the top order, and she’s also shown herself to be one of the team’s top fielders.
Final thought: Surrey carried an aura of invincibility in last year’s tournament but look more vulnerable now. Laura Harris doesn’t have the all-round versatility of sister Grace, but boasted a strike-rate of 207 last year. Two players conspicuous by their absence so far this season may be crucial to hopes of repeat success.
Surrey squad: click here.
Essex Women produced a thrilling performance to secure a dramatic tie against Surrey Women in a rain-affected Vitality Blast clash at the Kia Oval.
Chasing a revised target of 94 from 10 overs, Lauren Winfield-Hill led the charge with a commanding 49 off 27 balls, forming a 54-run second-wicket partnership with Maddie Penna (22 from 19) and keeping Essex firmly in the hunt. Cordelia Griffith joined the effort to maintain momentum, and the visitors came agonizingly close to victory, with Jo Gardner narrowly run out attempting a second run off the final delivery.
Earlier, Essex Women had impressed with the ball, reducing Surrey to 45 for four. Eva Gray returned 2 for 18 against her former side, while Gardner’s direct hit ran out Alice Monaghan. The team displayed sharp fielding and tight bowling, keeping Surrey in check until a late counterattack from Phoebe Franklin (48*) and Kira Chathli (44*) added 72 runs in just 35 deliveries, pushing the hosts to 159 for five.
A rain interruption set Essex Women a challenging DLS target, but they approached it with intent, combining aggressive strokeplay and smart running between the wickets. Winfield-Hill’s dominance at the crease, Penna’s quickfire support, and Griffith’s composure under pressure highlighted the depth and balance of the side.
Essex Women can take pride in their spirited all-round display, with excellent batting, bowling, and fielding performances ensuring a thrilling finish and demonstrating their resilience under challenging conditions.
Click here for the tournament preview.
If you are unable to attend any of the matchdays, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket YouTube livestream. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the game via our social media channels as we provide live updates.
Follow our Social Channels:
X: /@EssexCricket
Facebook: /Essex County Cricket Club
Instagram: /@EssexCricket
Daily highlights will be available after each day's play via the Club website and social media.
Tickets are available to purchase from Surrey's website by clicking here.
