Hampshire Cricket Secures Historic Overseas Ownership

Hampshire Cricket Secures Historic Overseas Ownership

Hampshire Cricket, an English county club, has made history by becoming the first to secure overseas ownership. GMR Group, an Indian infrastructure conglomerate, has acquired a majority stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd, the club’s parent company.

The deal, which initially grants GMR Group a 53% stake, is expected to culminate in a complete 100% acquisition within the next two years. This includes GMR’s acquisition of Hampshire’s 51% share in Southern Brave, a team in the Hundred tournament.

The investment marks a significant milestone for Hampshire, which was previously owned by former chairman Rob Bransgrove. Bransgrove, who will continue as Group Chairman until 2026, played a pivotal role in transforming the club from a members-owned entity to a modern sports and leisure facility.

GMR Group, known for its infrastructure ventures, has a strong presence in cricket. The company owns the Delhi Capitals franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Dubai Capitals franchise in the International League T20 (ILT20), and has a stake in the Seattle Orcas in the Major League Cricket (MLC).

The deal with Hampshire stems from Bransgrove’s efforts to secure the club’s financial stability in 2000. He facilitated the move from Northlands Road to the Utilita Bowl, which has since become a premier Test match and events venue.

Hampshire has hosted several high-profile matches, including the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021 and is scheduled to host its maiden Ashes Test in 2027. The club has also been a pioneer in women’s cricket development.

“This is the fulfillment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters,” said Bransgrove. “We believe GGPL is the perfect organization to build on our proud legacy.”

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould welcomed the investment, stating, “This announcement demonstrates the global interest in investing in cricket in England and Wales.”

The deal is expected to provide Hampshire with access to new opportunities and resources, further enhancing its status as a leading cricket club in England.

Oval Invincibles Retain Hundred Title with Mahmood's Devastating Spell

Oval Invincibles Retain Hundred Title with Mahmood’s Devastating Spell

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in the Hundred final at Lord’s, defeating Southern Brave by 17 runs. Saqib Mahmood’s devastating spell of reverse-swing proved pivotal, as he claimed three wickets in seven balls to dismantle the Brave’s chase.

The Invincibles, boasting the Hundred’s most prolific spin attack, had earlier posted a competitive 147 for 9. Will Jacks’ blistering 37 off 22 balls set the tone, while Sam Curran and Jordan Cox contributed valuable runs. However, Akeal Hosein’s three wickets and Tymal Mills’ economical spell kept the Brave in the hunt.

Southern Brave began their chase brightly, with Alex Davies scoring 35 off 23 balls. But Mahmood’s introduction changed the game. He removed Leus du Plooy, Kieron Pollard, and Laurie Evans in quick succession, leaving the Brave reeling at 113 for 5.

Despite Chris Jordan’s valiant effort, the Brave fell short as Adam Zampa cleaned him up. The Invincibles’ victory marked their second consecutive Hundred title, matching the achievement of their women’s team in 2021-22.

Mahmood’s performance served as a timely reminder of his talent and could potentially earn him a recall to the England squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia. The Invincibles’ success is a testament to their balanced team, built around all-rounders and a strong spin attack.

Southern Brave Triumph in Super Five Thriller, Reach Hundred Final

Southern Brave Triumph in Super Five Thriller, Reach Hundred Final

In a thrilling Super Five contest at the Kia Oval, Southern Brave emerged victorious over Birmingham Phoenix, securing their place in the Hundred final at Lord’s.

Southern Brave’s innings was anchored by James Vince’s 43 and Leus du Plooy’s 39. Chris Jordan’s late heroics, including two sixes in the final set bowled by Sean Abbott, proved crucial.

Birmingham Phoenix’s chase started slowly, but contributions from Moeen Ali and Jacob Bethell kept them in contention. Liam Livingstone’s 55 off 34 balls seemed to have put Phoenix on the brink of victory, but his dismissal in the final set and some late drama saw the scores level at 126 apiece.

In the Super Five, Livingstone fell first ball to Jofra Archer, leaving Phoenix needing 7 from 3 balls. Jordan’s 10 runs from 3 balls, including a slice of luck on his first delivery, sealed the victory for Southern Brave.

Archer, who was named Meerkat Match Hero, expressed relief after his match-winning performance. He praised the depth of talent in the Southern Brave squad, stating that “the team has so much talent it doesn’t matter what team we put out there.”

Southern Brave's Title Defense Ends in Disappointment

Southern Brave’s Title Defense Ends in Disappointment

Southern Brave’s title defense in the Women’s Hundred has come to an end, leaving head coach Charlotte Edwards to reflect on a disappointing campaign. Despite a promising start, Brave struggled to maintain consistency, losing six of their eight matches.

The season began with a narrow defeat to London Spirit, followed by a tie with Northern Superchargers. A solitary win against Oval Invincibles provided a glimmer of hope, but Brave’s fortunes took a turn for the worse with a heavy loss to Welsh Fire in their final match.

Edwards acknowledged the team’s inconsistent performances, stating that they failed to put together a complete game. She highlighted the growing strength and depth of teams in the Hundred, emphasizing the need for Brave to improve in all aspects.

While the disappointment of the failed title defense is still fresh, Edwards plans to conduct a thorough analysis of the season’s shortcomings. She believes that a full review will help identify areas for improvement and guide the team’s preparations for the 2025 edition of the tournament.

Edwards also expressed her desire to continue as coach of Southern Brave and Mumbai Indians, despite the latter’s unsuccessful WPL campaign. She emphasized the importance of franchise leagues in the growth of women’s cricket and called for exclusive windows to avoid clashes with bilateral series.

Edwards’ comments align with those of Jhulan Goswami, her Mumbai Indians bowling coach, who has advocated for protected windows for franchise leagues. Edwards believes that three exclusive windows for the WPL, Hundred, and WBBL would allow the best players to participate in both international and franchise cricket without scheduling conflicts.

Southern Brave Secure Eliminator Spot Despite Rain-Hit Draw

Southern Brave Secure Eliminator Spot Despite Rain-Hit Draw

Southern Brave secured their spot in The Hundred Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday, thanks to rain intervening at Utilita Bowl against an already-eliminated Welsh Fire. The Brave needed just a point to guarantee their presence in Saturday’s showdown, but at the halfway stage, with 181 posted by the Fire, they would have feared losing control of their destiny.

Two quick wickets – Alex Davies for a duck and then James Vince for 19 – further set the Brave back. But on the stroke of Vince’s dismissal, with rain falling steadily, the umpires took the players off. The rain never abated, and with just 16 balls having been bowled of the Brave’s innings – a minimum of 25 balls are required to deliver a result – the game was duly abandoned.

It was a bitter pill for the Fire to swallow. With the bat, they were irrepressible, with Luke Wells and Glenn Phillips especially destructive, sharing a 76-run partnership from just 30 balls to propel the Fire to their highest-ever score in the tournament’s history.

Wells, registering just his second fifty in the competition, took just 28 balls to reach the milestone, while Phillips was spectacular, clubbing five sixes – including one hit over square-leg against Jofra Archer that sailed 102 metres – from just 19 balls. In all, 10 sixes were struck across the Fire’s innings.

For the Brave, only Akeal Hosein escaped punishment, the West Indian left-armer conceding just 21 from his 20-ball quota. Ultimately, it was immaterial. Brave are through to face either Northern Superchargers or Birmingham Phoenix, with the latter’s game against Manchester Originals tomorrow determining the final placings at the top.

Brave skipper, James Vince, said: “Bowling first, things probably got away from us a bit. We were sloppy. Some good players got going and we weren’t able to shut them down, so it was always going to be a tough ask to chase that down.

“We had a few messages saying the weather might be on its way so it we had a few discussions about how to approach those first 25 balls; thankfully the rain came just in time.

“On the whole, across the tournament, the bowling group gets a lot of credit. They’re quality, experienced bowlers. Our batting goes under the radar a bit. We’d like a few more guys in form, but on the whole we’ve been reasonably consistent.”

Welsh Fire Cruise to Knockout Stage with Dominant Win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire Cruise to Knockout Stage with Dominant Win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire’s dominant performance against Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl secured their place in The Hundred’s knockout stage. Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role, showcasing her exceptional skills with both bat and ball.

Matthews’ opening spell with the ball proved devastating for the Brave, as she claimed four wickets for just 14 runs. Her offbreaks proved too much for Danni Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Adams, and Maia Bouchier, leaving the Brave reeling at 15 for 4.

Jess Jonassen joined the wicket-taking party, dismissing Freya Kemp and Naomi Dattani, while Matthews returned to trap Kalea Moore in front. Chloe Tryon’s valiant 55 (38) provided some respite for the Brave, but the Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting them to a modest total of 103.

In response, the Fire’s openers, Tammy Beaumont and Matthews, put on a batting masterclass. Beaumont’s 59* (40) was a display of power and finesse, while Matthews’ unbeaten 35 (31) showcased her ability to find the gaps. The pair shared a 72-run partnership, guiding the Fire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare.

Matthews’ all-round brilliance has been a key factor in the Fire’s success this season. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her an invaluable asset to the team.

“We’ve been really good,” Matthews said. “We’ve got a lot of experience, and we’ve played on that really well. The bowlers have done a great job, and it’s been a complete team performance.”

The Fire’s victory puts them in a strong position to finish top of the standings and qualify automatically for the Hundred Final at Lord’s. They will face Trent Rockets on Wednesday afternoon, with a convincing win potentially securing them the top spot.

Pollard's Six-Hitting Masterclass Powers Southern Brave to Victory

Pollard’s Six-Hitting Masterclass Powers Southern Brave to Victory

Southern Brave’s thrilling two-wicket victory over Trent Rockets at Utilita Bowl propelled them to the top of the table, level on points with Oval Invincibles. Kieron Pollard’s sensational hitting proved pivotal in the triumph.

Pollard, who had struggled initially, unleashed a barrage of sixes against Rashid Khan, dispatching five consecutive deliveries over the boundary. His 45 runs from 23 balls ignited the Brave’s chase.

Trent Rockets had posted a competitive 126 for 8, with Tom Banton’s early fireworks setting the tone. However, John Turner’s impressive spell of fast bowling, including the dismissal of James Vince, kept the Rockets in check.

The Brave’s pursuit began smoothly, with Alex Davies and Andre Fletcher putting on 43 for the first wicket. But the innings faltered after Davies’ dismissal, and the Rockets threatened to seize control.

Pollard’s heroics turned the tide, and Chris Jordan’s composure in the final over sealed the victory. Jordan also impressed with the ball, claiming three wickets for 22 runs.

Pollard, named the Meerkat Match Hero, acknowledged the challenge of facing Rashid Khan but expressed satisfaction with his calculated approach. He credited his success to picking the right line and length and maximizing his strength.

The victory marked a significant moment for Southern Brave, who now share the top spot with Oval Invincibles. Pollard’s match-winning performance highlighted his exceptional hitting ability and the team’s resilience under pressure.

Oval Invincibles Triumph Over Southern Brave in Top-of-the-Table Clash

Oval Invincibles Triumph Over Southern Brave in Top-of-the-Table Clash

Oval Invincibles, the defending champions of The Hundred, secured a crucial victory over Southern Brave, the league leaders, in a top-of-the-table clash at The Kia Oval. The six-wicket triumph marked a significant scalp for the Invincibles in their quest to retain their title.

Tom Curran, the elder brother of Sam Curran, played a pivotal role in restricting Southern Brave to a modest total of 118 for eight. His four-wicket haul, coupled with two wickets from Sam Curran, stifled the Brave’s batting lineup. James Vince, with a valiant 52 from 39 balls, was the lone bright spot for the visitors.

The Invincibles’ chase got off to a peculiar start, with Dawid Malan facing 10 consecutive dot balls and Chris Jordan conceding no runs from his first 11 deliveries. However, Jordan Cox, England’s latest Test call-up, and Sam Curran broke the shackles with a 58-run partnership from 27 balls. Cox remained unbeaten on 46 from 29 balls, guiding the Invincibles to victory with 15 balls to spare.

Sam Curran, who has been instrumental in the Invincibles’ recent run of five wins in six games, was named the Meerkat Match Hero for the third consecutive time. He praised the team’s collective effort, particularly the bowling partnership with his brother Tom.

“We have complemented each other really well with the ball this season,” said Sam Curran. “We knew we had to win this to give us the best chance of going straight through to Lord’s (and reach the final).”

The victory strengthens the Invincibles’ position in the standings, moving them a step closer to securing a place in the knockout stages. Southern Brave, despite the setback, remain atop the table but face a stern test in their remaining fixtures.

Southern Brave Triumph with Wyatt's Heroics in Rain-Hit Clash

Southern Brave Triumph with Wyatt’s Heroics in Rain-Hit Clash

Southern Brave, the defending champions of The Hundred, secured their first victory of the 2023 season with a seven-wicket triumph over Oval Invincibles in a rain-affected encounter. England star Danni Wyatt played a pivotal role in the victory, guiding her team to the target with an unbeaten 46 from 37 deliveries.

Wyatt’s innings was characterized by resilience, as she twice survived being dropped by the Invincibles fielders. Her knock included four boundaries and a six, and she played a crucial role in anchoring the Brave’s chase.

The Invincibles, who were put into bat, struggled to gain momentum due to the impressive bowling of Lauren Cheatle and Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Cheatle dismissed Chamari Athapaththu for a duck and Alice Capsey for 16, while Corteen-Coleman accounted for Lauren Winfield-Hill and Paige Scholfield.

Marizanne Kapp provided some late resistance for the Invincibles, scoring an unbeaten 26 from 17 balls. However, the Brave’s bowlers kept the Invincibles in check, restricting them to a total of 79 for 4 from their allotted 65 balls.

With a revised target of 83 set by the DLS method, the Brave began their chase cautiously. Smriti Mandhana was run out cheaply, while Maia Bouchier was bowled by Ryana MacDonald-Gay.

Wyatt, however, remained unfazed and played a composed innings. She received support from Freya Kemp (14) and Chloe Tryon (10), but it was her experience and composure that ultimately guided the Brave to victory.

In the final over, Wyatt faced a tense situation with five runs needed from five balls. She calmly dispatched Sophia Smale over the leg side for the winning boundary, securing a much-needed victory for the Brave.

Welsh Fire Soar to Top of Women's Hundred with Convincing Win

Welsh Fire Soar to Top of Women’s Hundred with Convincing Win

Welsh Fire’s dominant performance at Sophia Gardens propelled them to the summit of the women’s Hundred standings, as they comfortably defeated Southern Brave by seven wickets.

Hayley Matthews’ exceptional bowling display, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs, proved instrumental in restricting Southern Brave to a meager total of 84. The Brave’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the seam and spin bowling, with none of their batters managing to establish a significant partnership.

Georgia Adams emerged as the top scorer for Southern Brave with a modest 17 runs, while Matthews’ all-around brilliance shone through. The West Indian all-rounder’s accurate bowling was complemented by a superb fielding effort, with Phoebe Franklin and Tammy Beaumont taking crucial catches to dismiss Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt, respectively.

Welsh Fire’s chase began cautiously, with Sophia Dunkley falling for a golden duck. However, Beaumont and Bryce steadily accumulated runs, gradually chipping away at the target. Beaumont’s dismissal by Lauren Cheatle, who was the most economical bowler for Southern Brave, left Jess Jonassen with the task of guiding Fire to victory.

Jonassen’s composed batting ensured Fire’s fourth win in this year’s Hundred, solidifying their position at the top of the table.

Matthews, the Meerkat Match Hero, attributed her success to precise bowling and the team’s collective effort. “I tried to pitch it in good areas and keep my lines straight,” she said. “There was some turn and bounce in the pitch, so I focused on keeping the stumps in play.”

“We’ve been playing well as a team and having everyone contribute,” Matthews added. “Getting the wicket from the first ball gave us a great start, and we just built on that momentum.”

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