The Ashes & Hampshire Cricket Summer Thread - II

One ray of light is that just as we go two down early on, so do Durham.

 

Phew just had dinner and relieved to find Hants haven't lost any further wickets.

 

Wicket at Derby is helping the spinners no end. Durham are collapsing and their YB40 SF hopes are ending.

 

Cheers Derbyshire groundsmen.

 

Indeed. Although if we lose too, it will matter little. Lancs will instantly become favourites to win the group IMO, should we lose.

 

This is almost getting stupid. They're in the 22nd over at Derby, and I'm wondering why they don't have a second slip in.

I could have a go bowling my spin on this.

 

The game, and hence qualification, looking very bleak now. Please let there be rain at Manchester for our trip there next week!

 

Durham are out. Cannot now qualify.

 

This match is not over yet.

 

Ah, from 128/4 to 128/6.

 

Another 50+ runs further on, and this would be set up for Dimi to score the winning runs in what might be his last ever RB outing. But too much for him to do from here.

 

It's very much game on at the Ageas Bowl. Hants need 45 runs from 6 overs.

 

Boom! 2 more 4's from Dimi.

 

Maybe, just maybe. And quite possibly for one, last, emotional time.

 

And Dimi's gone for 31. Hasn't got Hants over the finish line but taken them close.

 

And Hampshire win by 3 wickets. And Brendy must keep the faith in future!

 

Brilliant chase considering the position we were in on three different occasions (after the Vince, Macca and Wheater wickets respectively).

 

And well done Dimi, a very crucial 31 that took Hants close to victory.

 

Just goes to show how tough it is to qualify. A defeat and we were almost out. But having won, we're just one more win away from having a home SF 99% secured.

 

Yes and even if we lose on Tues Lancs ansd Essex are then playing each other. Looking good.