HAM vs KT 2nd Semi Final, Royal ODI 2022

Kent have done the unthinkable here at Southampton, they win this thrilling semi final by 3 wickets!! They have booked their place to the final of the Royal London ODI Cup 2022. They held their nerves till the very end and come out triumphant at the end and have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Hampshire players are dejected and wondering where it all went wrong, but Darren Stevens name is echoing through the crowds.

The 46-year-young, Darren Stevens played a blinder after taking his time early on, he slammed a stupendous knock of an unbeaten 84 from 65 balls, which included 11 fours and 3 maximums, was ably supported by Grant Stewart, Harry Podmore and Hamidullah Qadri. The Hampshire bowlers just threw everything at the veteran, but it was his day and he showed all his experience and class to take his side over the line.

Hampshire got off to a scintillating start. Nick Gubbins and Ben Brown added a century stand for the first wicket. Then Hampshire came back into the contest by picking a couple of wickets in the middle, Nick Gubbins played a splendid 75 off just 84 balls. Blazing fifties from Aneurin Donald and Felix Organ, along with Albert's cameo pushed Hampshire's total to 310/9. 

Kent were off to a disastrous start, they lost both their openers cheaply inside the first 6 overs, and were struggling at 20/2. Ollie Robinson weathered the storm early on along with skipper Joe Denly, with a 48 run stand. Scott Currie got rid of the Kent skipper and had Kent struggling at 68/3.

Ollie Robinson put out a masterclass out in the middle, he showed great courage and controlled aggression and alongside Harry Finch added a stupendous 108 run stand off just 108 balls. Robinson he was looking well set to make a huge score, but played a false shot when he was at 95 and the job for Kent was only half done. Soon after reaching fifty harry Finch also departed, bringing the hosts right back in the game. Then Darren Stevens did the later half of the job by chasing down 311.

Hampshire bowlers bowled their hearts out, especially John Turner (2/38) and Ian Holland (1/45) who were at their lethal best. Jake Campbell also struck thrice but was a bit expensive, in the end they just didn't have a proper fifth bowler and that made all the difference.