Essex, Lancashire Secure First Wins in Women's T20 Blast Campaign

Essex and Lancashire both secured their first wins of the Women's T20 Blast season, with Essex defeating Somerset by 66 runs and Lancashire topping Durham by 18 runs. Essex set a target of 150, led by Lauren Winfield-Hill's 42 runs, and Somerset struggled in their chase, bowled out for 84 with Esmae MacGregor taking 4-8. Lancashire posted 140-7, with Ellie Threlkeld scoring 48 and Aisla Lister 42 not out, before restricting Durham's chase through key bowling contributions including Grace Potts' 4-33. In the men's T20 Blast, Lancashire dominated Nottinghamshire by 47 runs, powered by Keaton Jennings' 95 and Luke Wells' 87 in a record 177-run opening partnership. Lancashire had also started their T20 Blast campaign with a narrow seven-run victory over Worcestershire, despite recent off-field turmoil including coaching changes and Jennings' resignation as red-ball captain. Other notable results included Somerset's impressive win over Surrey and strong performances from teams like Sussex and Hampshire in their respective T20 Blast matches.