Gabby Lewis's 141* powers Lancashire Women to Metro Bank Cup triumph
When Gabby Lewis, the explosive England batter, smashed an unbeaten 141 off 143 balls, Lancashire Women clinched the Metro Bank One-Day Cup title at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on 27 September 2025.
The victory mattered because it not only handed Lancashire their first one‑day crown of the season but also capped a dramatic weekend that saw seasoned campaigner Fred Davies bow out of professional cricket after the final.
Here’s the thing: both sides had met earlier in the tournament when weather washed out the group‑stage clash on 13 September, leaving fans hungry for a proper showdown. The final delivered in spades.
Road to the Final
Lancashire Women entered the knockout phase on a high note, edging past Blaze by a razor‑thin five‑run margin at Trent Bridge. The squad stayed unchanged for the final, a decision coach Ellie Smith (captain) described as “faith in the blend that got us here.”
Meanwhile, Hampshire Women fought their way through a semi‑final win over Surrey, tweaking the side by swapping off‑spinner Ava Lee for seam bowler Daisy Gibb. Captain Georgia Adams praised the move, noting the pitch at the Utilita Bowl was expected to favour pace.
The Final Showdown
The toss went to Lancashire, who elected to field first, banking on their seasoned bowling attack. England international Kate Cross led a disciplined spell, taking two wickets for 28 runs. Young pacer Mika Gore extracted swing, finishing with figures of 3/22.
Hampshire were bowled out for 237, with top‑order run‑maker Fra Kemp contributing a gritty 58. The final overs saw a dramatic eighth‑wicket partnership, but the chase ultimately fell to the brilliance of Lewis.
Opening the innings, Lancashire’s Alice Clark provided a steady start, but it was Lewis who seized the spotlight. She paced her innings through the powerplay, reached her half‑century in 45 balls, and after a quick‑fire 100, she accelerated to the unbeaten 141 with just 12 balls remaining. The chase wrapped up on the 46th over, with Lancashire winning by 7 wickets.
Key Performances
- Gabby Lewis – 141* (143 balls), 10 fours, 4 sixes; match‑winning innings.
- Kate Cross – 2/28 in 7 overs; brought experience and control.
- Mika Gore – 3/22 in 6 overs; highlighted Lancashire’s depth.
- Daisy Gibb – 1/45; debuted in a high‑pressure final.
- Fred Davies – 1/30; final professional appearance.
Reactions and Future Outlook
Post‑match, Lewis said, “I just tried to stay calm and play my natural game. The crowd at the Utilita Bowl made it special.”
Captain Ellie Smith added, “Keeping the same XI paid off; everyone knew their roles.”
Hampshire’s captain Adams, while disappointed, praised her side’s resilience. “We gave it everything. Daisy’s early wickets gave us hope, but Lancashire’s batting was relentless.”
The win injects confidence into Lancashire’s upcoming T20 campaign, and the players will likely be in contention for England selection as the season heads toward the World Cup qualifiers.
Historical Significance
This triumph marks Lancashire’s first Metro Bank One‑Day Cup title since the competition’s re‑branding in 2022. It also underscores the growing competitiveness of women’s domestic cricket, where tactical changes—like Hampshire’s seamer swap—are now commonplace.
For Fred Davies, the evening was a poignant farewell. A 12‑year career that saw over 150 List‑A matches, Davies leaves a legacy of mentorship for younger bowlers.
Key Facts
- Final date: 27 September 2025
- Venue: Utilita Bowl, Southampton
- Winning margin: 7 wickets
- Top scorer: Gabby Lewis, 141* (143 balls)
- Man of the Match: Gabby Lewis
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lancashire’s win affect their chances in upcoming tournaments?
The victory gives Lancashire a psychological edge heading into the T20 Blast and the Charlotte Edwards Cup. It also puts several players, especially Gabby Lewis and Kate Cross, higher on the England selectors’ radar for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
What impact does Fred Davies’s retirement have on Hampshire?
Davies’s departure creates a experience gap in Hampshire’s bowling unit. The side will likely look to promote a younger pacer, perhaps Mika Gore, who showed promise in the final.
Why did Hampshire replace Ava Lee with Daisy Gibb?
Team analysts judged the Utilita Bowl’s surface would offer seam movement rather than turn. Daisy Gibb’s pace and ability to swing the ball suited those conditions, prompting the tactical swap.
What were the weather conditions like on the day of the final?
Clear skies and a mild breeze dominated the afternoon, offering a true batting pitch for Lancashire while giving seamers a little extra assistance during the early overs.
Who officiated the match and why is that noteworthy?
Umpires Gabby Brown and Serendan Shamagam oversaw the game, with Rose Dovy as fourth umpire and Dean Kofska as referee. Their experience in women’s domestic cricket helped ensure a smooth, controversy‑free finale.
