Back-to-back victories keep Eagles hopes alive

Hampshire v Essex Eagles – Vitality Blast T20 South Group – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton – Summary

Essex Eagles 168/3 (20.0 overs)

Hampshire 114/9 (20.0 overs)

Essex Eagles won the toss and elected to bat

Essex Eagles won by 54 runs

Essex Eagles faint hopes of reaching the T20 Vitality Blast quarter-final stages remain alive after they eased to victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

The 2019 champions recorded their first victory of this year’s competition at Sussex on Monday and they injected further life into their 2020 campaign with Tom Westley and Aron Nijjar playing a pivotal role.

Westley hit 51 off 37 balls, while Dan Lawrence was unbeaten on 49 as Essex posted a modest 168/3. Then Nijjar returned a career-best 3/21 as the visitors’ attack put the squeeze on the 2012 winners.

Nijjar was backed up by Jack Plom, who notably took 2/18 – Indeed, with the home side on 38/6 after 6.4 overs, it always looked an unlikely ask

Essex Eagles continue their Vitality Blast South Group campaign on Friday, September 18, when they take on Kent Spitfires at the St Lawrence Ground (2pm).

Hampshire: George Munsey, James Vince (Capt), Sam Northeast, Joe Weatherley, James Fuller, Lewis McManus (WK), Ian Holland, Chris Wood, Ryan Stevenson, Mason Crane, Shaheen Afridi

Essex Eagles: Cameron Delport, Tom Westley, Dan Lawrence, Michael Pepper (WK), Ryan ten Doeschate, Paul Walter, Simon Harmer (Capt), Matthew Quinn, Jack Plom, Aron Nijjar, Sam Cook

Officials: Billy Taylor, Benjamin Debenham and Peter Such