Hampshire and Kent played out a thrilling draw on the final day of their Vitality County Championship Division One clash at Canterbury, with the hosts securing a crucial point to boost their survival hopes.
Kent resumed their second innings on 70 without loss, trailing by 126 runs. However, they lost Tawanda Muyeye early on, edging Kyle Abbott to Toby Albert at second slip for 46. Abbott then removed Ben Compton for 25, again caught by Albert.
Mohammad Abbas struck twice in quick succession, trapping Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 23 and bowling Joe Denly for five. Abbott returned to dismiss Joey Evison for 11, leaving Kent on 145 for five at lunch.
Jack Leaning and Harry Finch batted resolutely throughout the afternoon session, frustrating Hampshire’s bowlers. Leaning reached his half-century with a drive off James Fuller, while Finch provided solid support.
Hampshire’s hopes of forcing a result rested on the new ball, but Leaning brought up his century with a single off Abbott. However, he was dismissed lbw to Abbas in the next over, ending a record sixth-wicket partnership for Kent against Hampshire.
Charlie Stobo and Matt Parkinson fell cheaply, but Finch and Gurinder Singh combined for a crucial last-wicket stand that consumed 11 overs. Finch was eventually caught at first slip by James Vince for 79, leaving Kent all out for 338.
Hampshire faced a daunting target of 143 from nine overs, but bad light halted play after just 2.4 overs, with the visitors on 24 for one.
The draw leaves Kent with a slim chance of avoiding relegation. They face a crucial home game against Nottinghamshire next week, while Hampshire’s season at The Spitfire Ground ends with a hard-fought draw.
