Hampshire cling on to hopes of Blast charge
Vince hoping fine Lord’s victory over Middlesex has not come too late
JAMES VINCE hailed a fine win over Middlesex as Hampshire finally found top gear in the Vitality Blast.
The Ageas Bowl outfit kept their slim hopes of making the knockout stages alive with a seven-wicket victory at Lord’s last night.
Chris Morris (three for 22) and Kyle Abbott (three for 25) helped bundle the hosts out for 128.
Skipper Vince made short work of the chase – smashing 69 off 42 balls before he was dismissed by former Hampshire Academy left-armer Tom Barber (one for 20) with the score on 104.
Liam Dawson (35 not out) and Ian Holland (11 not out) then finished the job to leave their side sixth in the standings – four points adrift of the final qualification spot.
With three games remaining and a maximum of six points up for grabs, Hampshire know they must win their final three fixtures to stand any hope of reaching the last eight.
Vince said: ‘It was probably our best all round performance of the campaign so far.
‘Right from the outset really, I thought the bowlers were fantastic. ‘Daws and (Tabraiz) Shamsi on his debut were brilliant through the middle. ‘The wicket seemed to hold up a bit when they were batting and maybe came on a little bit more under the lights. ‘But when you are only chasing 129 if you Hampshire need three wins from their final three pool games get off to a reasonably good start you can afford to bide your time.’
Hampshire moved quickly to cover injuries to Mason Crane and Brad Taylor by signing South Africa wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.
The 29-year-old chinaman bowler came straight into the side for last night’s fixture and took one for 32.
Hampshire welcome Essex to the Ageas Bowl on Sunday (2.30pm).