Essex v Hampshire Twenty20 Cup Thursday 5th July

Rain was yet again the only winner at Chelmsford on Thursday as Essex and Hampshire had to settle for a point from their Twenty20 clash.

The bad weather washed out further play after Hampshire had reached 107 for five from 16 overs - and the abandonment ended both counties’ already faint quarter-final hopes.

Chris Benham and Danish Kaneria had most cause for satisfaction from what little action there was.

Benham struck 41 from 31 deliveries with the help of three fours and a six, while leg-spinner Kaneria took 2-22 in three overs.

It was Kaneria who ended Benham's innings when he breached his defences to bowl him - and he also got rid of Sean Ervine for 28 as Graham Napier held on to a fine catch at long-on.

Michael Carberry had reached 21 from 18 balls when the rain sent the players scurrying to the pavilion - and kept them there.

Australian pace bowler Andy Bichel conceded only nine runs in his three overs, during which he trapped his compatriot Adam Voges with his fourth delivery - while Martin Saggers and Adam Hollioake picked up a wicket each.

Result: Match abandoned
Points: Essex 1, Hampshire 1.

Scorecard