Twitter Caption: “Hampshire’s James Vince becomes T20 Blast’s all-time leading run-scorer, but Surrey triumph in a nail-biting encounter. Read more about the record-breaking innings and thrilling chase!”
Hampshire captain James Vince etched his name in T20 Blast history during a match against Surrey at the Ageas Bowl. With a remarkable knock of 88 runs off just 56 deliveries, Vince surpassed Luke Wright’s tally and became the competition’s second player to amass 5,000 runs. However, despite his historic achievement, Surrey emerged victorious, defeating Hampshire by six wickets.
Vince’s career statistics speak volumes of his exceptional batting prowess. His aggregate of 5,054 T20 Blast runs has been accumulated over 163 innings, boasting an impressive average of 35.34. Alongside his 35 half-centuries, Vince has also registered four centuries, solidifying his status as one of the tournament’s most prolific run-scorers. Notably, the top five run-getters in T20 Blast history consist of Joe Denly (4,773), Steven Croft (4,553), and Alex Hales (4,489).
In the contest, Surrey skipper Chris Jordan elected to field first after winning the toss. Vince’s unbeaten 88, laced with eight boundaries and three maximums, propelled Hampshire to a total of 156/4 in their allotted 20 overs. The captain’s 83-run partnership with Tom Prest (33) for the second wicket further bolstered their innings. Surrey’s bowling attack, led by Sean Abbott, Gus Atkinson, Sam Curran, and Sunil Narine, managed to claim a wicket each.
During the chase, Surrey displayed a brilliant performance, achieving the target in just 18.5 overs. While Will Jacks and Laurie Evans set a solid foundation, it was Jacks who stole the show with his aggressive batting. In a crucial 15th over, he smashed three consecutive sixes off Mason Crane, turning the tide in Surrey’s favor. Jacks remained unbeaten on 83 runs off 57 balls, guiding his team to a thrilling victory. Hampshire’s Liam Dawson took two wickets, while Chris Wood and Mason Crane secured one each.
In another T20 Blast encounter, Glamorgan emerged triumphant, defeating Middlesex by 29 runs at the Merchant Taylors’ School Ground. Glamorgan amassed an imposing total of 238 runs in 20 overs, courtesy of Chris Cooke’s maiden century (113* off 41). Despite valiant efforts from Stephen Eskinazi (59 off 33) and Joe Cracknell (77 off 42) in the chase, Middlesex fell short, managing only 209 runs in their allotted overs.
