Throwback: The Only T20 Meeting Between Hampshire and Durham

As Hampshire Hawks prepare for their Vitality Blast Quarter Final against Durham, we look back at the only previous T20 encounter between these two counties: a memorable clash at Utilita Bowl on 7th August 2011.

In a match that perfectly showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, Hampshire secured a commanding 55 run victory thanks to a masterful bowling performance on a turning track that favoured spin.

Hampshire's Innings Built on Solid Foundation

After losing the potentially destructive Shahid Afridi without facing a ball in the first over, Hampshire found themselves in trouble at 37 for 3 with James Vince and Jimmy Adams both falling to run outs. However, a crucial 66 run partnership between Neil McKenzie and Sean Ervine steadied the ship.

McKenzie was the star with the bat, crafting an accomplished half century that included consecutive sixes off Ian Blackwell, a slog sweep followed by an audacious loft over cover despite the challenging conditions. His 40 ball fifty helped guide Hampshire to a competitive 154 for 6, though the innings ended in unfortunate circumstances when both McKenzie and Ervine were left stranded mid pitch after confused calling, with Ervine run out.

Briggs Spins a Web

If Hampshire's preparation of a spin friendly pitch sparked debate, there was no questioning the quality of Danny Briggs' bowling performance. The left arm spinner ripped through Durham's middle order, finishing with remarkable figures of 5 for 19 to claim the Man of the Match award.

Briggs, who had been Hampshire's leading wicket taker in their previous T20 campaign with a club record 31 scalps, immediately made his mark when introduced in the fifth over. Phil Mustard was his first victim, followed by overseas signing David Miller who was deceived by dip and zip to be bowled for 10.

The defining moment came when Briggs rushed one straight on past Ben Stokes' attempted sweep to have him stumped by the faultless Michael Bates for 28. With Durham missing the injured Paul Collingwood, Stokes had been their main hope, and once he departed, the writing was on the wall.

Hampshire's spin quartet of Briggs, Imran Tahir, Afridi and captain Dominic Cork proved devastating, combining to send down 11.3 overs for just 50 runs. Ian Blackwell fell to a Tahir googly, while Briggs completed his five wicket haul by having Dale Benkenstein and Liam Plunkett caught in the deep. Afridi applied the finishing touches with consecutive deliveries to remove Mitchell Claydon and Scott Borthwick.

Durham's chase fizzled out at 99 all out, despite their own spinners finding plenty of assistance from the surface during Hampshire's innings.

Watch the Highlights

As Hampshire prepare for Friday's quarter final against Durham, they'll hope history does repeat itself, this time they're the visitors looking to secure a victory at Banks Homes Riverside, just as they did in 2011.