Colin de Grandhomme: Top Five Moments

Following the recent announcement of the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme ahead of this summer's Vitality Blast, there’s plenty for Hampshire Hawks fans to be excited about as the T20 campaign nears ever closer.

A hard-hitting middle-order batsman and accurate right-arm seamer, De Grandhomme is one of the world’s best all-format all-rounders having made 102 international appearances in all three forms of the game for New Zealand since his debut in 2012. Alongside his international experience, De Grandhomme has a strong domestic record, particularly in T20 cricket where he currently boasts a strike-rate of 161.20, the fifth highest batting strike-rate in T20 history.

And to mark de Grandhomme's arrival at The Ageas Bowl, we’re looking at five key highlights and performances from his impressive career so far.

A Test Debut To Remember

De Grandhomme enjoyed one of the greatest ever Test debuts in 2016. Having come into the side to replace Jimmy Neesham, De Grandhomme ran through the Pakistan batting line up to take career-best figures of 6-41, the best haul by any New Zealander on debut.

The Blackcap international's first three wickets in Test cricket saw him remove Babar Azam, Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq as he led his side to an incredible home victory with a Man of the Match performance.

Maiden Test Ton

De Grandhomme took centre stage again the following year, this time with the bat, as he struck his maiden Test century in incredible fashion against the West Indies in 2017.

The big-hitting Kiwi recorded a stunning hundred in just a single session, the milestone coming off just 71 deliveries and including 11 fours and three sixes, to propel his side to an impressive innings victory. 

Leading The Chase

Pakistan were again the opponents for a de Grandhomme batting masterclass, this time in a One Day International in 2018.

The right-hander showed why he is one of the best finishers in the game after coming to the crease at 154-5 chasing 263 runs to win, as he crunched a sensational 74 not out from just 45 balls - a knock which included seven fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 185 - to see New Zealand safely home to a superb victory and helping to secure a series whitewash.

T20 Match-Winner

De Grandhomme’s best international T20 performance came in 2019, when he was part of a youthful team taking on Sri Lanka.

Having been set 162 to win, New Zealand found themselves in trouble at 38-3, but de Grandhomme posted an excellent half-century which saw the team get over the line, smashing three sixes and two fours to help his side to victory by four wickets.

Strong World Cup Showing

New Zealand's ICC Cricket World Cup campaign in 2019 was one of the greatest tournament performances in the nation's history, and de Grandhomme was an integral part of the side that finished eventual runners-up.

Despite falling just short in a thrilling super-over final against England, de Grandhomme dazzled throughout the campaign, picking up six wickets - including 1-25 from 10 overs against Joe Root's men - whilst also finishing as the team's fourth-highest run-scorer, including two fifties.

You can catch Colin de Grandhomme and the rest of the squad in Vitality Blast action this summer with all seven of Hampshire Hawks' home Vitality Blast matches taking place after Monday 21^st June as part of a bumper schedule of T20 action.

Supporters can still secure their Vitality Blast tickets and passports at the Advance rate via the link below. 

A range of hospitality packages are also available for this summer’s fixtures. To find out more please click here.

Buoyed by Hampshire Cricket’s “Buy With Confidence” commitment, groups of friends, families and colleagues have been booking a date for their summer socials at The Ageas Bowl, safe in the knowledge that should the return of crowds be delayed they will receive a full refund.