INTERVIEW: Kesteven reflects on Bucks win
Lancashire Cricket batter Tilly Kesteven says Thunder “want to win” the Vitality County T20 Cup again in 2026 and defend their title, after qualifying for the quarter final with a win against Bucks Cricket on Sunday.
The Red Rose secured a dominant win against the Tier 3 side, winning by 110 runs after putting 221 on the board.
Kesteven was one of the stars with the bat, scoring a rapid 55 from only 27 balls, helping Lancs get up to a total that was ultimately too far out of reach for Bucks. Thanks to her and fellow left-hander Eve Jones, who hit 64, the Bucks players endured a long day in the field.
Jones and fellow opener Emma Lamb (35) put on a superb 102-run partnership at the top of the order, before Kesteven continued that electric start. The 21-year-old was quick to praise the fact the two opening batters laid the platform well for her.
“Eve and Lamby set it [the innings] up really well. I kind of knew it was a good pitch with loads of runs out there. I kind of just went out with a lot of freedom and just had some fun really.”
The highlight of Kesteven’s knock was surely the 15th over, which she sent for 25 runs, including three fours and two sixes. It was a sign of her brutal intent and desire to build on the start from Jones and Lamb.
“I think when [the first] one of them came off well, I kind of wanted to cash in and just come down the ground and see how far I could hit it,” explained the batter.
Twice, she skipped down the pitch and belted Eva Lewis for six, once over cow corner and the other straight back over her head. Those were certainly shots that suggested she was in good form, something Kesteven alluded to.
“Yeah [I feel in good form]. I think, with batting, it’s kind of so up and down. Once you’re in good form and good rhythm, you’ve just got to cash in, make the most of it and kind of just keep going, and keep in rhythm.”
Thunder are, of course, defending champions in this competition, after lifting the trophy last season at Taunton. Kesteven stressed that winning the trophy again is absolutely the goal for Ellie Threlkeld’s team.
“Obviously we went onto win it last year. We call it the FA Cup equivalent. So, yeah, it’s a really good comp, knock out is quite fun. It makes you want to win more, it’s one to win.
“The next game will probably be more competitive, but obviously it makes you want to win it more. So, we should be up there to win it again, like we did last year."
Lancashire will face The Blaze away in the quarter final on August 23rd, and will play for a place on Finals Day the following weekend, which will be held at Emirates Old Trafford.
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