TRENT BRIDGE — Surrey and The Blaze both suffered their first defeats of the 2026 Women's T20 Blast on Sunday, ending their unbeaten starts to the season. Surrey lost to Somerset by four wickets with three balls to spare at the Kia Oval, while The Blaze fell to Durham by seven wickets at Trent Bridge.
Somerset chased down Surrey’s total of 153-5 with ease after recovering from a precarious 59-4. Sophie Luff anchored the innings with an unbeaten 82 from 53 balls, her third half-century in four matches. Her partnership with lower-order batters propelled Somerset to 154-6, securing victory and moving them level on points with Surrey in the standings.
Surrey’s innings was built around a maiden T20 half-century from Jemima Spence, who scored 51 not out from 35 balls after the team had slumped to 60-4. Olivia Barnes triggered the collapse with 3-21 for Somerset, while Alice Monaghan took 3-24 in response. Surrey had previously tied with Hampshire in a match that ended with both teams scoring 121, a result that halted their winning momentum before Sunday’s loss.
The Blaze, who had won all three of their opening games, were bowled out for 153 against Durham. Georgia Elwiss top-scored with 31 from 24 balls, and Marie Kelly contributed 28 from 15. Mady Villiers claimed 3-21 with off-spin to restrict The Blaze. In reply, Durham reached their target with five balls to spare, thanks to an 83-run opening stand between Villiers and Hollie Armitage. Villiers added 47 from 34 balls, Armitage remained unbeaten on 50 from 47, and Bess Heath provided late impetus with 36 from 18.
The losses caused The Blaze to drop from second to fifth in the standings. Just three points now separate the top five teams in the 2026 Women's T20 Blast, tightening the competition as the group stage progresses.