Liam Dawson’s Masterclass Guides Hampshire to Thrilling Victory over Kent in Vitality County Championship
In a captivating display of cricket, Hampshire clinched a sensational six-wicket win over Kent in the Vitality County Championship, thanks to a stunning 28-ball 56 from Liam Dawson.
Chasing 179 runs in just 31 overs, Hampshire got off to a flyer, with Toby Albert, Fletcha Middleton, and James Vince setting the tone. However, it was Dawson’s masterful innings that sealed the deal for the hosts, who completed the run chase in just 23 overs.
The victory keeps Hampshire firmly in the title race, having now won three of their last four matches. Kyle Abbott was the star with the ball, registering a five-wicket haul, while Harry Finch’s gritty 84 had threatened to frustrate the hosts. However, Kent remain winless in the Championship since May 3.
“Dawson’s masterful innings that sealed the deal for the hosts, who completed the run chase in just 23 overs.”
Middleton and Albert set the platform with a 41-run partnership in seven overs, and Vince’s 32 off 21 balls maintained the momentum. Nick Gubbins and Dawson initially consolidated, but the latter then unleashed a blistering assault on Matt Parkinson (2-48) and Nathan Gilchrist (1-52), tearing apart the Kent bowling attack.
Gubbins fell, but James Fuller ensured Hampshire crossed the finish line with seven overs to spare, showcasing their dominance in the match.
Despite Hampshire starting the day with a slender 30-run lead and needing eight wickets, they were a bowler short due to an injury to Keith Barker. However, the team’s resilience and Dawson’s heroics proved too much for Kent, who remain winless in the Championship.
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