Berkshire Crowned Vitality Blast Women’s League 3 Division 1 Champions After Thrilling Final Victory
Berkshire Women’s 1st XI lifted the Vitality Blast Women’s League 3 Division 1 title after a dramatic four-run victory over Staffordshire Women’s 1st XI at Arundel Castle.
In a tense final played on Sunday 28 June 2026, Berkshire defended a modest total of 108 for 6 from their 20 overs before holding their nerve to restrict Staffordshire to 104 for 9, sealing the championship trophy in a closely fought contest.
Having won the toss, Berkshire elected to bat and were challenged throughout by a disciplined Staffordshire bowling attack. Early wickets put pressure on the innings, but Berkshire’s middle order ensured they posted a competitive total on a surface where runs were difficult to come by.
Yasmin Daswani led the scoring effort with a composed 31 from 32 deliveries, striking five boundaries to anchor the innings. Ashneet Chahal provided valuable support late on, remaining unbeaten with 21 from 29 balls, while contributions from Finty Trussler, Izzy Storrar and Naazneen Asif Iqbal helped Berkshire reach 108 for 6.
Staffordshire’s bowlers kept Berkshire under control, with Lucy Shenton particularly impressive, returning figures of 1 for 14 from her four overs. However, Berkshire’s ability to build partnerships and accumulate enough runs proved crucial.
In reply, Staffordshire’s chase started under immediate pressure as Berkshire’s bowlers struck regularly. The turning point came through Naazneen Asif Iqbal, who delivered a match-winning spell of 5 wickets for just 16 runs from her four overs.
Her accuracy and control prevented Staffordshire from building sustained momentum, despite resistance from Sophie Warrilow, who scored 24 from 22 balls, and Lucy Shenton, who added 20 from 21. Late efforts from Staffordshire kept the final alive, but Berkshire’s fielding and bowling under pressure ensured the target remained out of reach.
With Staffordshire requiring a final push in the closing overs, Berkshire held their composure to complete a memorable four-run triumph.
The victory capped a superb campaign for Berkshire, whose combination of disciplined bowling, resilient batting and strong teamwork delivered success on the biggest stage.
Berkshire Cricket Women’s 1st XI are the 2026 Vitality Blast Women’s League 3 Division 1 champions. – FULL MATCH SCORECARD
*Many thanks to Roger Byrne as always for the magnificent photos from the day