Hampshire Cricket - 2015 Moments of the Year

As another year comes to an end, we look back on an eventful 2015 season with Hampshire Cricket.

From a sixth consecutive T20 Finals Day appearance to securing Division One survival on the final day of the season, there was plenty of choice for our favourite moment of 2015.

Ultimately we were left torn so we’ve picked our three top moments from this year’s campaign.

The Great Escape – Nottinghamshire v Hampshire

A nail-biting final day of the 2015 season saw Hampshire storm to victory Nottinghamshire by eight wickets at Trent Bridge, secure one of the greatest escapes from relegation in the club’s recent history.

Ahead of the final match of the season, Hants faced the tough task of winning against Nottinghamshire at home whilst also needing to match Sussex’s bonus points and hoping that champions Yorkshire beat them.

The odds were undoubtedly stacked against James Vince’s side, however five players contributed vital half-centuries across both innings, before Fidel Edwards ripped through the hosts to finish with superb match-figures of 10-145 to lead the attack and ultimately claim a thrilling victory.

With Yorkshire then beating Sussex on the final day at Headingley, Hampshire miraculously maintained their top-flight position by two points, having won three of their last five games to do so.

A Sixth Consecutive Finals Day Beckons – Worcestershire v Hampshire

An incredible unbeaten century from captain James Vince (107) helped guide Hampshire to an emphatic 17-run (D/L) victory and ensured qualification for a record sixth consecutive finals day, against Worcestershire in an exciting NatWest T20 Blast quarter-final match at New Road.

Vince batted with magnificent flair on the way to his highest ever T20 score with Michael Carberry also offering key support.

Hampshire finished on a commanding 196-4 from their allotted overs first-up with Worcestershire having it all to do in order to reach their first Finals Day.

However the hosts stumbled to begin their reply, and with Worcestershire struggling, Chris Wood was struck in the face whilst attempting a high catch. The deteriorating light was no doubt a factor and play halted with no further action possible.

The decision ensured Hampshire sailed through a record sixth consecutive T20 Finals Day, claiming yet another away victory in the competition.

Hampshire Win El Clasicoast Thriller – Sussex Sharks v Hampshire

A spectacular innings from skipper James Vince (90) saw Hampshire claim a crucial South-Group victory over Sussex in the NatWest T20 Blast clash at Hove.

Vince looked in sensational form as he combined well with good support from Adam Wheater (51) and Owais Shah (40), to finish unbeaten to guide Hampshire to 204-3 from their allotted overs, their highest T20 total for five years.

Chris Nash did his best to see Sussex towards a record run-chase but with the game on the line, the experienced Arafat bowled with magnificent skill to ensure Sussex picked up just 5 runs from the last six deliveries to see Hampshire grab victory and two vital points.