Peter Trego, known for his hitting prowess, showed his class and and quality with a 101-ball 100. © Getty
In a high-scoring encounter played at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, Somerset edged out Hampshire off the final ball to clinch a thriller. Craig Overton and Ben Green shared an unbeaten eighth-wicket stand of 15 off just seven balls to pilot the side past the substantial total of 356. Unfortunately for Somerset, despite the victory, they missed out on a quarterfinal play-off berth. Hampshire, who won five of their eight games to top South Group, have progressed to the last four; they will now play their semifinal game at home.In a high-scoring encounter played at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, Somerset edged out Hampshire off the final ball to clinch a thriller. Craig Overton and Ben Green shared an unbeaten eighth-wicket stand of 15 off just seven balls to pilot the side past the substantial total of 356. Unfortunately for Somerset, despite the victory, they missed out on a quarterfinal play-off berth. Hampshire, who won five of their eight games to top South Group, have progressed to the last four; they will now play their semifinal game at home.In pursuit of a sizeable target, Somerset needed a quickfire start. Johann Myburgh, the veteran opener, who has played for a host of first-class teams across South Africa, New Zealand and England, over a career spanning 20 years, laid the required platform with a 49-ball 71. The veteran opener’s innings included eight fours and three sixes, and he also stitched a vital opening stand of 87 with Steven Davies.In pursuit of a sizeable target, Somerset needed a quickfire start. Johann Myburgh, the veteran opener, who has played for a host of first-class teams across South Africa, New Zealand and England, over a career spanning 20 years, laid the required platform with a 49-ball 71. The veteran opener’s innings included eight fours and three sixes, and he also stitched a vital opening stand of 87 with Steven Davies.Brad Taylor, the bowling all-rounder, and the youngest player to represent Hampshire’s first XI (debut in 2013) since 1867, lifted his side by castling Davies in the 12th over. Myburgh then fell to Mason Crane, the legspinner, with the score reading 141 in the 19th over. At that juncture of the game, Peter Trego, known for his hitting prowess, showed his class and and quality with a 101-ball 100. James Hildreth (56) and Matt Renshaw (40) also played fine hands as the visitors found themselves in a strong position at 335 for 6, with less than three overs to go.Brad Taylor, the bowling all-rounder, and the youngest player to represent Hampshire’s first XI (debut in 2013) since 1867, lifted his side by castling Davies in the 12th over. Myburgh then fell to Mason Crane, the legspinner, with the score reading 141 in the 19th over. At that juncture of the game, Peter Trego, known for his hitting prowess, showed his class and and quality with a 101-ball 100. James Hildreth (56) and Matt Renshaw (40) also played fine hands as the visitors found themselves in a strong position at 335 for 6, with less than three overs to go.Somerset, however, lost Lewis Gregory and Roelof van der Merwe in quick succession as the home side kept themselves in the hunt. Their faint hopes were soon dashed by the pair of Overton and Green. With a solitary run needed for a win off the final ball, Overton spanked Chris Wood for a four to seal the game. Earlier, James Vince (109), the Hampshire captain, and Tom Alsop (95), the opener, and Liam Dawson (76) had played pivotal roles.Somerset, however, lost Lewis Gregory and Roelof van der Merwe in quick succession as the home side kept themselves in the hunt. Their faint hopes were soon dashed by the pair of Overton and Green. With a solitary run needed for a win off the final ball, Overton spanked Chris Wood for a four to seal the game. Earlier, James Vince (109), the Hampshire captain, and Tom Alsop (95), the opener, and Liam Dawson (76) had played pivotal roles.On the other hand, Overton chipped in with three scalps for Somerset. The game also saw the return of South African spearhead, Dale Steyn, to competitive cricket after being out of action for five months due to a heel injury. However, it didn’t turn out to be a good day for the seasoned campaigner as he went for 80 runs in 10 overs and picked up just one wicket.On the other hand, Overton chipped in with three scalps for Somerset. The game also saw the return of South African spearhead, Dale Steyn, to competitive cricket after being out of action for five months due to a heel injury. However, it didn’t turn out to be a good day for the seasoned campaigner as he went for 80 runs in 10 overs and picked up just one wicket.Brief scores: Hampshire 356/9 in 50 overs (James Vince 109, Tom Alsop 95, Liam Dawson 76; Craig Overton 3-69) lost to Somerset 360/7 in 50 overs (Peter Trego 100, John Myburgh 71; Liam Dawson 2-52) by three wickets.Brief scores: Hampshire 356/9 in 50 overs (James Vince 109, Tom Alsop 95, Liam Dawson 76; Craig Overton 3-69) lost to Somerset 360/7 in 50 overs (Peter Trego 100, John Myburgh 71; Liam Dawson 2-52) by three wickets.A fine all-round show helped Essex crush Kent by 153 runs in Chelmsford in the Royal London Cup on Wednesday (June 6). Kent could only muster 184 while trying to chase down a target of 338.A fine all-round show helped Essex crush Kent by 153 runs in Chelmsford in the Royal London Cup on Wednesday (June 6). Kent could only muster 184 while trying to chase down a target of 338.Kent, who opted to bowl, never seemed to be in the hunt and were bowled out in the 38th over. Sean Dickson (51) and Blake (41), batting at five and six respectively, tried to prop up the innings but the duo had too much to do. James Porter, the Essex seam bowler and spearhead, bagged four scalps. Matt Coles and Ryan ten Doeschate, the captain of Essex, took two wickets apiece.Kent, who opted to bowl, never seemed to be in the hunt and were bowled out in the 38th over. Sean Dickson (51) and Blake (41), batting at five and six respectively, tried to prop up the innings but the duo had too much to do. James Porter, the Essex seam bowler and spearhead, bagged four scalps. Matt Coles and Ryan ten Doeschate, the captain of Essex, took two wickets apiece.For the home side, Daniel Lawrence, who came into the limelight when he cracked an impressive 161 for Essex versus Surrey in the County Championship in April 2015, gave a glimpse of his potential with a 109-ball 115. It was also his highest List A score. Ravi Bopara, the veteran all-rounder, also made an impression with an enterprising 88-ball 125.For the home side, Daniel Lawrence, who came into the limelight when he cracked an impressive 161 for Essex versus Surrey in the County Championship in April 2015, gave a glimpse of his potential with a 109-ball 115. It was also his highest List A score. Ravi Bopara, the veteran all-rounder, also made an impression with an enterprising 88-ball 125.Essex finished second in South Group, with 10 points and now will play in a ‘home’ quarterfinal. Kent too have progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament by ending third in the same group. On the other hand, Kent’s defeat ended Somerset’s chances of progressing to play-off.Essex finished second in South Group, with 10 points and now will play in a ‘home’ quarterfinal. Kent too have progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament by ending third in the same group. On the other hand, Kent’s defeat ended Somerset’s chances of progressing to play-off.Brief scores: Essex 337/7 in 50 overs (Ravi Bopara 125, Daniel Lawrene 115; Matt Henry 2-59) beat Kent 184 in 37.5 overs (Sean Dickson 51; James Porter 4-37) by 153 runsBrief scores: Essex 337/7 in 50 overs (Ravi Bopara 125, Daniel Lawrene 115; Matt Henry 2-59) beat Kent 184 in 37.5 overs (Sean Dickson 51; James Porter 4-37) by 153 runsPaul Stirling (127 not out), the Ireland opener, and Eoin Morgan (100 off just 72 balls), the England limited overs captain, played decisive roles in Middlesex’s 33-run win over Gloucestershire in Bristol. The visitors compiled 322 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs and bowled out their opponents for 289 in the 49th over.Paul Stirling (127 not out), the Ireland opener, and Eoin Morgan (100 off just 72 balls), the England limited overs captain, played decisive roles in Middlesex’s 33-run win over Gloucestershire in Bristol. The visitors compiled 322 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs and bowled out their opponents for 289 in the 49th over.Middlesex, who were inserted into bat, had a quiet start, losing two wickets for 48 runs. Stirling and Morgan, however, joined forces to string together a partnership of 158 for the third wicket. Benny Howell dismissed Morgan in the 37th over but the hosts had no respite as Hilton Cartwright (60 not out) strung together a partnership of 116 in just 82 balls with Stirling. Cartwright smashed as many as five sixes in his innings.Middlesex, who were inserted into bat, had a quiet start, losing two wickets for 48 runs. Stirling and Morgan, however, joined forces to string together a partnership of 158 for the third wicket. Benny Howell dismissed Morgan in the 37th over but the hosts had no respite as Hilton Cartwright (60 not out) strung together a partnership of 116 in just 82 balls with Stirling. Cartwright smashed as many as five sixes in his innings.Despite Ian Cockbain, cracking a 112-ball unbeaten 106, Gloucestershire struggled to keep up with the asking rate. Ryan Higgins (65), batting at No.7, also made his presence felt, but the home team lost their last five wickets for 34 runs to slip to their third loss of the tournament. James Franklin and Tom Helm took three wickets each for Middlesex. Both sides, though, couldn’t make it to the knockout phase of the tournament. Middlesex finished sixth in South Group, while Gloucestershire ended up seventh.Despite Ian Cockbain, cracking a 112-ball unbeaten 106, Gloucestershire struggled to keep up with the asking rate. Ryan Higgins (65), batting at No.7, also made his presence felt, but the home team lost their last five wickets for 34 runs to slip to their third loss of the tournament. James Franklin and Tom Helm took three wickets each for Middlesex. Both sides, though, couldn’t make it to the knockout phase of the tournament. Middlesex finished sixth in South Group, while Gloucestershire ended up seventh.Brief scores: Middlesex 322/3 in 50 overs (Paul Stirling 127*, Eoin Morgan 100) beat Gloucestershire 289 in 48.3 overs (Ian Cockbain 106*; James Franklin 3-42) by 33 runs.Brief scores: Middlesex 322/3 in 50 overs (Paul Stirling 127*, Eoin Morgan 100) beat Gloucestershire 289 in 48.3 overs (Ian Cockbain 106*; James Franklin 3-42) by 33 runs.Will Jacks’s sublime 80 off just 57 balls, backed up by a fifty from captain Rory Burns, saw Surrey gallop to the target of 267 with over nine overs to spare. The hosts had a less-than-promising start to the chase, losing Mark Stoneman to Lukas Carey in the very first over. But thanks to Jacks at No.3, the early setback was forgotten in a hurry with a hat-trick of boundaries in the very next over to get the innings rolling. His early onslaught propelled Surrey to 84 for 1 in just nine overs, while bringing up his own fifty off 30 balls. When he was dismissed in the 18th over, Surrey were so far ahead of the rate that there was no pressure on the batsmen to follow, a situation in which they thrived.Will Jacks’s sublime 80 off just 57 balls, backed up by a fifty from captain Rory Burns, saw Surrey gallop to the target of 267 with over nine overs to spare. The hosts had a less-than-promising start to the chase, losing Mark Stoneman to Lukas Carey in the very first over. But thanks to Jacks at No.3, the early setback was forgotten in a hurry with a hat-trick of boundaries in the very next over to get the innings rolling. His early onslaught propelled Surrey to 84 for 1 in just nine overs, while bringing up his own fifty off 30 balls. When he was dismissed in the 18th over, Surrey were so far ahead of the rate that there was no pressure on the batsmen to follow, a situation in which they thrived.As convincing as this win was, it could have been a lot more emphatic if not for Connor Brown leading Glamorgan’s recovery with the bat. Asked to bat first, the visitors lost both their openers for ducks, before Brown got involved in a partnership with skipper Colin Ingram to rebuild the innings. Even so, Glamorgan still found themselves four down before crossing the 100-run mark – a position that didn’t allow them to set their ambitions high. The relentless pressure from the Surrey bowlers – especially Morne Morkel – didn’t help. Eventually, Brown scored 98 but took 136 balls to do so after being forced to drop anchor.As convincing as this win was, it could have been a lot more emphatic if not for Connor Brown leading Glamorgan’s recovery with the bat. Asked to bat first, the visitors lost both their openers for ducks, before Brown got involved in a partnership with skipper Colin Ingram to rebuild the innings. Even so, Glamorgan still found themselves four down before crossing the 100-run mark – a position that didn’t allow them to set their ambitions high. The relentless pressure from the Surrey bowlers – especially Morne Morkel – didn’t help. Eventually, Brown scored 98 but took 136 balls to do so after being forced to drop anchor.Unfortunately for Surrey, the win didn’t help them to book a quarter-final berth. They finished fifth in South Group with nine points.Unfortunately for Surrey, the win didn’t help them to book a quarter-final berth. They finished fifth in South Group with nine points.Brief scores: Glamorgan 266/8 in 50 overs (Connor Brown 98; Rikki Clarke 3-49) lost to Surrey 269/5 in 40.4 overs (Will Jacks 80; David Lloyd 1-17) by five wicketsBrief scores: Glamorgan 266/8 in 50 overs (Connor Brown 98; Rikki Clarke 3-49) lost to Surrey 269/5 in 40.4 overs (Will Jacks 80; David Lloyd 1-17) by five wickets
