Grace Ballinger is raring to go as The Blaze return to the Kia Oval for a second successive Vitality Blast Finals Day with the clear goal of silverware in mind.

“We’re really excited,” said Ballinger. “The Oval is a fabulous ground, and we were disappointed when we got here last year, losing in the eliminator, so we’re looking to go at least one step further tomorrow.”

Ballinger and The Blaze, having finished third in the nine-team group table, square off against second-placed Surrey in the day’s first semi-final from 11:00 BST.

Table-topping Hampshire Hawks then face Durham, who ended their group campaign in fourth, in the second of the last-four ties at 14:30, before the final rounds off proceedings at 18:45.

“We’ve got a bit of momentum coming into this, and that helps,” said Ballinger. “We’re full of confidence. We’ve had different players contribute at different times, and the bowling’s been excellent.

“Charli Knott has come into a bit of form with those two knocks in the last two games, it’s nice to have Tammy [Beaumont] back as well, and we’re feeling confident going into it.

“There’s no reason to think we shouldn’t be able to beat, an albeit strong, Surrey side.”

Ballinger retains her place in a 15-strong squad travelling to the capital for the showpiece day, as Beaumont also returns after her international retirement at the end of this week’s historic Lord’s Test.

However, opener Marie Kelly misses out due to medical reasons.

The switch to a four-team, three-match Finals Day is in contrast to the 2025 event, which saw only three teams compete in an eliminator and a final.

The change is not one that Ballinger is especially concerned by, and she in fact takes confidence from the fact that it mirrors the 2024 event, when The Blaze enjoyed one of their most glorious days.

“We’ll have to see how the change of format will affect us,” she mused. “We played this format a few years ago when it was the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

“We played the first semi-final, then we had a big break in the middle, and then we were victorious in the final against South East Stars, which is essentially the Surrey side now.

“Yes, it’s a change of format, but it’s also something we’re familiar with, and obviously it would be really cool to beat Surrey on their home turf in that semi as well.”

On that home turf, which is one of the most famed and historic grounds in the game, Ballinger continues to note the pride and occasion that comes with walking out at stadiums such as the Oval.

“It’s so special to play at venues like this. I’ve got some really, really fond memories here,” she said.

“Obviously, that was a different format, but in The Hundred last year, when we won the Eliminator here in such good style before we ended up as champions.

“To be honest, I’m looking to just completely replicate that and go again!”

In 2025, Ballinger was part of the Northern Superchargers side (now known as Sunrisers Leeds) who defeated London Spirit in south London.

The side then proceeded to triumph over Southern Brave at Lord’s a day later to win the title, and Ballinger is taking a significant amount of confidence on an individual level from her previous visits.

“People tend to think that batters like the Oval, that it’s a high-scoring ground and a rapid, quick outfield, but I also really enjoy bowling here,” she said.

“I think there’s a bit in it for the seamers up top, and if you bowl in decent areas, then it is a good place to bowl at.

“Personally, I’ve had decent success here, so we’ll hope to emulate that again tomorrow!”