On the back of a remarkable T20 Vitality Blast campaign with Hampshire, Nathan Ellis has arguably established himself as the world’s finest exponent of at-the-death bowling. Ellis’ breath-taking last over of the final – against Lancashire at Edgbaston last week – was a perfect example of his immense skill and composure in a high pressured situation.
Tonight’s fixtures include an intriguing contest between the two form teams in the North Group. Derbyshire Falcons entertain Northamptonshire Steelbacks at the Incora Ground, Derby with both teams well in the hunt for a place in the quarter finals.
Hampshire Hawks (155-6) defeat Essex Eagles (123) to win by 32 runs in the T20 Vitality Blast at the Ageas Bowl.
Under cobalt skies, Hampshire prevailed in a war of attrition at the Ageas Bowl last night. In conditions more suitable for a rugby match than a game of cricket, Hampshire batted well to post a defendable total in the almost constant drizzle.
With the T20 Vitality Blast almost at the half-way stage, two teams are looking particularly strong. In the Northern Group, Lancashire Lightning have won six of their seven games and lead the group by three points. In the Southern section, Surrey have won five of their six matches so far; the other game – against Glamorgan – failed to yield a result due to the weather. This leaves Surrey three points ahead of last season’s beaten finalists, Somerset having played one fewer game.
Somerset eased past Hampshire Hawks to cruise to the top of the South Group in the T20 Vitality Blast.
Somerset’s bowlers shared the wickets around their seam attack as they tore through Hampshire’s top order. Josh Davey was the pick of the Somerset bowlers, taking 3-21 as the hosts stumbled to 123 at the Ageas Bowl.
Hampshire Hawks welcome Somerset in their second Vitality Blast game of the season at The Ageas Bowl tonight.
Paul Blake previews tonight’s action.
Despite a great start with the ball, Hampshire Hawks were unable to capitalise, eventually going down in this white ball season opener by 10 runs. Despite losing three early wickets, Middlesex opener Max Holden and middle order batsman Jack Davies were able to steady the ship. Subsequently, 41 runs off just 27 balls from wicketkeeper-batsman John Simpson eased the visitors to what would prove to be an unassailable 163/6.
Currently second in the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One, Hampshire have started the season very well, particularly with the ball. They have not won the county championship since 1973; forty-nine years ago. With twenty wickets already to his name, Keith Barker has certainly caught the eye. After taking 5-67 in the first innings against title rivals, Lancashire, the joint… Read More »Hampshire close in on an unwanted half-century