Hampshire 2XI Edged Out In SET20 Final

Jimmy Adams starred for Hampshire 2^nd XI in a comprehensive semi-final victory but they narrowly missed out on the SET20 title after a 24-run loss to Sussex in the SET20 Final at Arundel Castle on Thursday afternoon.

Adams (57*) hit an unbeaten half-century as Hampshire eased to a nine-wicket victory over Yorkshire in the first semi-final of the day.

Brad Wheal (2-23) and Will Smith (31) both turned in impressive performances in the final, but Hampshire were bowled out for 147 chasing a victory target of 172 to lift the trophy.

After winning six of their eight Second XI T20 games with another game being washed out, Hampshire qualified for the Final’s Day alongside Sussex, Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Hampshire faced Yorkshire in the opening game of the day, with Wheal (2-12), Matt Salisbury (2-22) and Jake Lintott (2-26) taking two wickets apiece as their opponents for 100 in the 19^th over.

There were also wickets for Chris Sole (1-24), whilst the remaining three dismissals were run outs, with Adams being orchestrating two of them.

The Hampshire veteran continued his form in the field and translated that with the bat, striking a quick-fire half-century off just 38 balls as Hampshire cruised to victory inside 12 overs.

The victory set up a final with Sussex after they beat Lancashire in the second semi-final of the day. Wheal again starred with the ball alongside Ian Holland (1-28), Salisbury (1-33) and Sole (1-34) as Hampshire restricted Sussex to 171-6 from their 20 overs.

Hampshirestumbled in reply, reaching 60-5 in the ninth over despite the efforts of Adams (20).

Sole (22) and Smith (31) then rebuilt the innings, but both were dismissed in quick succession to leave Hampshire on 105-7 before Hampshire were eventually dismissed for 147 in the final over to seal.

Hampshire 2^nd XI are back in action this week as they take on Worcestershire in a four-day friendly starting on 14 August before facing Sussex again between 29 and 31 August.