Devon Women progressed to the second round of the Vitality T20 Women's County Cup with a bank holiday Monday victory over Dorset.

On a chilly afternoon at Bournemouth CC, Devon Women edged a tense, low-scoring encounter against Dorset, securing a four-wicket victory with five balls to spare. After electing to field, Devon's bowlers dismantled Dorset for just 71 in 19.4 overs, only to endure a nervy chase of their own before getting over the line with just five balls to spare.

Dorset's innings never gained momentum as the in-form Katie Donovan (3-12) ripped through the top order, reducing the hosts to 25-3 inside six overs. Megan Bishop (28) offered brief resistance, but wickets fell steadily, with Stephanie Hutchins (2-11) and Eliza Heard (1-10) maintaining relentless pressure. Three run-outs compounded Dorset's struggles, and despite Ashneet Kaur Chahal’s unbeaten 8, they were bundled out with what seemed like a low total.

Devon's reply was far from fluent. Jemima Vereker (18) and Regina Lilii (15) provided the backbone, but tight bowling from Megan Bishop (2-10) and Chahal (1-13) kept the game alive. Back-to-back wickets made it 62-6 with just 17 balls left to ensure a nervy finish, but skipper Hutchins (8) and Ella Gill (4) held firm to seal our passage to Round 2 against Suffolk.

Scorecard

Dorset 71ao (M Bishop 28, V Pack 17; K Donovan 3-12, S Hutchins 2-11)

Devon Women 75/6 (J Vereker 18, R Lilii 15; M Bishop 2-10, D Clarke 1-4, G Wilson 1-8, AK Chahal 1-13)

Devon Women beat Dorset by 4 wickets.

David Joseph's Post-Match Thoughts

"We'll take the win. We executed our plans with the ball excellently with our best bowling and fielding performance of the season.

"It was great to get over the line with the bat, and we will take away plenty of learnings moving into next week. It’s great to be in Round 2."

Steph Hutchins' Post-Match Thoughts

"A great start from the squad in the knockout competition. A low score is never easy to pace out the chase, but the main thing in this competition is getting over the line, which we have successfully done.

"The experience in our side will be a benefit to us and will hopefully see us through the next round."

Up Next

Devon Women face Suffolk in Round 2 of the Vitality T20 Women's County Cup on Sunday, 11 May at Budleigh Salterton CC.