Hampshire see dream ended as Essex make it into Blast remaining
H
ampshire’s bid to grow to be the primary facet to retain the Vitality Blast title is over after belligerent cameos from Daniel Sams and Matt Critchley carried Essex into the ultimate.
Joe Weatherley’s busy 63 not out off simply 39 balls, plus Ben McDermott’s 29 off 12 and Benny Howell’s 22 off 11 at the back and front finish of the innings respectively lifted Hampshire to 170 for seven.
Essex’s goal was lowered to 115 off 12 overs after an hour’s rain delay early into their chase however upon slipping to 54 for 4, Sams belted 29 off 17 earlier than Critchley starred within the first semi-final.
With 13 wanted off the ultimate over, Critchley, the choose of Essex’s bowlers earlier with two for 22, thumped the primary supply of Nathan Ellis’ over for six earlier than Simon Harmer did likewise two balls later to wrap up a five-wicket win beneath the Duckworth Lewis methodology for the 2019 champions.
Essex had twice been overwhelmed within the group stage by Hampshire however they will now sit up for an encounter in opposition to both Somerset or Surrey in a while Saturday – supplied the rain stays away.