Leicestershire Foxes, the reigning Metro Bank One-Day Cup champions, edged past Hampshire by a thrilling three-wicket margin in a repeat of last year’s final. The match, played at the Uptonsteel County Ground, saw a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Hampshire skipper Nick Gubbins led the charge for his team, scoring a magnificent 136 runs. Liam Dawson contributed a valuable 50, while Dominic Kelly’s quickfire 39 off just 20 balls helped Hampshire post a competitive total of 290 for 8 from their 50 overs.
Leicestershire’s bowlers, led by Tom Scriven (3 for 61) and Chris Wright (2 for 49), kept the Hampshire batsmen in check, preventing them from reaching a higher score.
In reply, Leicestershire’s star duo of Peter Handscomb (74) and Ajinkya Rahane (70) formed a formidable partnership, sharing a 128-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their partnership kept Leicestershire in the hunt, but once they were dismissed, Hampshire sensed an opportunity to avenge their defeat in last season’s final.
John Turner emerged as Hampshire’s bowling hero, taking 4 for 44. However, Liam Trevaskis (60* off 55 balls) and Ben Cox (45 off 50) put up a valiant fight for Leicestershire, adding 94 runs for the seventh wicket. Trevaskis’ two sixes and four fours proved crucial in the chase.
With just one ball remaining, Scriven hit the winning run, securing a thrilling victory for Leicestershire. The Foxes have now advanced to the next round of the competition, one step closer to retaining their title.
