Hampshire 187 for 3 (Weatherley 88*, Vince 57) beat Nottinghamshire 160 (Clarke 64, Fuller 4-26) by 27 runs
Hampshire advanced to the Blast final with a dominant 27-run victory over Nottinghamshire, driven by Joe Weatherley’s unbeaten 88 and a disciplined bowling performance. The win sets up a record-breaking fourth Blast title opportunity against Northamptonshire, with their commanding display boosting confidence.Following a low-scoring first semi-final, Weatherley and captain James Vince showcased contrasting batting conditions at Edgbaston, compiling 126 runs in 84 balls for the second wicket. Despite a middle-order stumble, their total proved insurmountable as Nottinghamshire struggled to match the required rate, collapsing after a promising start.Weatherley’s composed innings, his highest in T20s, underscored his emergence as a key player for Hampshire, who topped the South Group and defeated Essex in the quarter-finals. The 28-year-old’s form this season places him second in the Blast run-scoring charts, behind Beau Webster, despite being overlooked in the Hundred draft.
Nottinghamshire’s pursuit hinged on Joe Clarke and Jack Haynes, who added 85 for the second wicket. However, their collapse from 100 for 1 to 160 all out, with James Fuller claiming 4 for 26, highlighted the pitch’s challenges for late-order batsmen.Weatherley’s explosive hitting, including a slog-sweep six and a towering strike off Olly Stone, anchored Hampshire’s innings. His 516-run tally this season marks his most prolific T20 campaign, while his partnership with Vince set a platform for a late surge.
Weatherley’s Resilient Form
Initially excluded from Hampshire’s County Championship squad in April due to poor form, Weatherley has flourished in the T20 format, capitalizing on opportunities at No. 3. His aggressive strokeplay, including a six off the fifth ball he faced, kept Nottinghamshire’s bowlers under pressure.
Vince, dropped on 34, accelerated with two leg-side sixes before falling to Liam Dawson. While Hampshire’s middle order faltered, Hilton Cartwright’s late boundaries propelled them to 187.
Weatherley slog-sweeps on his way to 50•Matt Lewis/ECB via Getty Images
Weatherley’s innings overshadowed his previous T20 best of 71, set in a 2021 semi-final against Somerset. His consistency positions him as a standout performer in Hampshire’s quest for a historic fourth Blast title.
Dawson’s Key Wicket
Nottinghamshire’s chase began cautiously, with George Munsey’s early blows offset by his dismissal. Clarke, struggling to time his shots, briefly rallied before falling to Dawson’s tactical slowdown, ending a crucial partnership with Haynes.
Dawson’s wicket-taking delivery, a looping slower ball, broke the stand and shifted momentum. Clarke’s subsequent dismissal to Scott Currie confirmed Hampshire’s dominance, as their varied bowling attack dismantled the remaining batting lineup.
Also Read
- Rowles’ Double‑Century Powers South Africa U19 to Dominant Position Over England
- WWE News: Triple H Promises ‘Special Night’ At Saturday Night’s Main Event, John Cena & Justin Bieber Do WWE Entrances
- France vs. England: Third-Place Match Betting Preview and Top Picks for 2026 World Cup
- South Africa’s Seven-Try Blitz Leaves Wales Scoreless in Dominant Victory
.jpeg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Sanju Samson Appointed as Tournament Icon for Kerala Cricket League 2026")
