In the Metro Bank One-Day Cup being held at Southampton, Hampshire took on Northamptonshire. The game was full of action and for Hampshire, there was a one-star performer, Ben Brown. He set the stage of fire with a splendid century. It was Brown’s endeavor that helped Hampshire get to a score of 285 for 8 and seal a 71-run victory over Northamptonshire.
Ben Brown’s 139 Secures Hampshire’s Lead
It was not a very promising beginning for the Hampshire innings. A fine opening spell from Jack White of Northamptonshire had them struggling at 25 for three. Brown’s great 139 not-out and quick scoring by Organ aided Hampshire’s recovery, setting a target hard to get.
Early in their innings, the team batting first had many problems. Their top order found Jack White’s early deliveries too hot to handle. His fantastic spell accounted for three quick wickets that came for just six runs. He sent back Fletcha Middleton, Nick Gubbins, and Tom Prest. This put Hampshire in a tight spot. Then, White injured his knee and had to get out of the game, which somewhat worked in the favor of Hampshire.
Ben Brown then took charge. He first put on 51 runs with Toby Albert. Though Albert was sent back, Brown was joined by Felix Organ, and their partnership proved to be a game-changing one and the former reached his fifty in 62 balls. The arrival of Organ ensured some quick runs, which gave impetus to the team. The partnership between Ben Brown and Felix Organ was the real key. The latter’s 59 off 51 balls quickened the innings as they added 188 runs together. Brown reached his century in exactly 100 balls as he showed great skill. Moreover, Organ’s aggressive batting kept the scoreboard moving, for which a competitive total was obtained.
He remained unbeaten throughout the innings. Brown scored 139 runs, his best in List A cricket. What was impressive was his controlled hook to reach The Hundred. His stunning performance helped Hampshire secure a victory over Northamptonshire. Late contributions from Eddie Jack and Kyle Abbott, both of whom hit sixes, further helped the cause of the team. They ended their innings at 285 for 8.
Northamptonshire Response
The team batting second needed 286 to win. They got off to a good start, with Prithvi Shaw and Emilio Gay adding 56 runs in nine overs. However, Hampshire bowlers changed the complexion of the game, with Eddie Jack and Tom Prest turning things around. Jack’s early removal of Shaw set the tone. Northamptonshire’s innings were full of good starts, but none lasted.
Gay and Ricardo Vasconcelos added 42 runs. A reckless shot, however, off the delivery by Brad Wheal sent Gay back to the pavilion. This was followed by more trouble. Vasconcelos, Rob Keogh, and George Bartlett also fell quickly. Jack and Prest continued the demolition of important wickets with tight bowling. Eddie Jack and Tom Prest took Hampshire through to victory. Jack finished with 4/29. Prest returned 3/41. Their disciplined bowling pegged Northamptonshire back to 214. The performance ensured a 71-run win for Hampshire. Gus Miller’s 47 runs for the losing team were not enough.
The victory of Hamp showed their never-give-up attitude and teamwork. It was the hundred by Ben Brown and aggressive batting by Felix Organ that laid the platform. The bowlers broke into the batting lineup of Northamptonshire, securing a clear win. This sets the tone for the campaign ahead in the tournament for Hampshire and underlines their potential to succeed.
