The Bears were much-changed from the side that played Surrey on Wednesday and, under the guidance of stand-in captain Katie George, batted first, making 166 for five with George hitting a 49-ball 67, and Em Arlott a quick-fire 21 off ten balls late in the innings to boost the total.
In reply, Hampshire, who arrived at Edgbaston having won six on the bounce, were reduced to 97 for five, however a 55-run sixth wicket stand took the game away from the Bears, as Hampshire reached their total with six balls remaining.
Maiden was proud of his team for the way they battled and praised 17-year-old Sophie Beech and 18-year-old Phoebe Brett who were brought into the side to gain valuable experience.
“We put out a slightly different team, thinking about really trying to give people an opportunity,” he said. “I thought we did quite well, but we were probably under par with a bat.
“Young Sophie Beech did really well behind the stumps, and came in with the bat at the back end and was inventive and showed some good stuff.
“Phoebe's been a bit unlucky not to play more through the competition. She's a high-quality bowler, so to play today was good for her. She's definitely one for the future so it’s important that we give her these opportunities.”
The Bears reached the final of the inaugural season of the women’s T20 Blast last season, however have been unable to replicate that in 2026, with injuries to key players and international call ups ensuring they have been unable to field a settled side.
Maiden refused to use that as an excuse and has been proud of the way the team has fought through some testing periods of the campaign.
“We've never had that consistent top three which has probably hurt us, but there's not a lot you can do about that, so you’ve got to get on with it,” he added.
“Abbey [Freeborn] has played really well and has taken her opportunity. When injuries do happen, you have to try and look at it as an opportunity.
“Ultimately it’s been a frustrating competition, but you have to look at those little bits of progress that we've made. Mary Taylor has played outstandingly well throughout the whole competition, at the back end of the innings as a batter, and also with the ball. She's been a real find.
“There's lots of good bits and hopefully we can get our best team out on the park more often next year and we'll be back competitive at the top of the table.”
Maiden’s team now have a short break before returning to action, with attention quickly turning to the Metro Bank One Day Cup and the T20 County Cup.
“We've still got quite a bit left this year with the rest of the one-day competition as well.
“We've done much better and have been much-improved in the One Day Cup so that's something we need to look forward to. We've also got the County Cup which we're still in.
“Then we come back from The Hundred, hopefully we'll get some players back and be ready and raring to go.”
