September 13, 2024

Leaning’s Heroics Help Kent Keep Their Survival Hopes Alive

Hampshire missed their chance to secure victory as Kent’s determined batting forced a draw in a tense final day of the Vitality County Championship match at Canterbury.

Kent’s second innings ended at 338, with Jack Leaning scoring an important century (100) and Harry Finch contributing 79 in a crucial 149-run partnership. Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott impressed with 4-66, but the target of 143 runs from just nine overs proved too steep. Hampshire reached 24 for 1 before bad light halted play. Despite a difficult season, Kent’s fans were treated to a thrilling day of cricket, especially during the nail-biting final session.

Kent started their second innings at 70 without loss, still trailing by 126 runs. They faced an early setback when Tawanda Muyeye edged Kyle Abbott to Toby Albert at second slip and was dismissed for 46 on the fourth ball of the morning. Abbott soon struck again, removing Ben Compton for 25, caught by Albert. Mohammad Abbas then made quick breakthroughs, trapping Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 23 and bowling Joe Denly for just 5.

Abbott returned to dismiss Joey Evison for 11 with a low slip catch by James Vince, leaving Kent in trouble at 145 for 5 at lunch. Despite the bleak outlook, Jack Leaning and Harry Finch batted through the afternoon session. Leaning had a close call on 34 when he drove a ball straight to extra cover, but Tom Prest failed to hold on, and Leaning later reached his 50 with a boundary off James Fuller, putting Kent ahead.

Short-Ball Tactics Fail as Kent’s Batters Stand Strong

Hampshire’s strategy of bowling short didn’t work as Leaning and Finch comfortably handled the bouncers. Even Dawson’s switch to the Nackington Road End failed to produce breakthroughs as Kent’s batters held firm.

By tea, Kent reached a more robust position at 268 for five, leading by 72 runs with 37 overs left. Hampshire’s hopes rested on the new ball. Jack Leaning reached his century with a single off Kyle Abbott. Still, it was trapped lbw by Mohammad Abbas in the next over, ending a record sixth-wicket stand for Kent against Hampshire and reigniting the game.

Brad Wheal replaced Abbott and quickly dismissed Charlie Stobo for 17, caught by Tom Prest at short midwicket. Abbott took Matt Parkinson’s wicket for 7, and Wheal removed George Garrett for 4, caught behind. Amar Virdi held firm for 27 balls in a crucial last-wicket partnership with Harry Finch, soaking up 11 overs. Their resistance ended when Finch, on 79, tried an unnecessary hook and was caught at slip by James Vince.

Though rain briefly interrupted, Hampshire began their chase with Vince and Fuller. Still, it was primarily symbolic under lousy light and with nine fielders on the boundary. Vince was bowled for 11 in the gloom, and after Liam Dawson hit 10 runs in two balls, the umpires called off play. Despite some heated exchanges, the teams shook hands, with Kent holding a slim chance of avoiding relegation. They face a crucial match against Nottinghamshire next week.

Kamran Ghulam and Naseem Shah Shine in Dominant Markhor Victory

The Panthers struggled from the start, with six of their top seven batters failing to reach double digits, as the Markhors claimed a dominant 160-run win in the opening game of the Champions One-Day Cup.

After winning the toss, the Panthers put the Markhors into bat. Still, Kamran Ghulam’s superb 115 off 102 balls powered his team to an imposing 347 for 6. Naseem Shah’s fiery spell of 3-27 in reply left the Panthers reeling at 52 for 6. Although Amad Butt fought back with a spirited 72, it was far too late, and the Panthers were bowled out for 187. A decent crowd in Faisalabad witnessed the Markhors’ commanding victory as the evening progressed.

Usama Struggles as Samad’s Late Blitz Powers Markhors

The Panthers initially kept the Markhors in check, dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Faizan early. Offspinner Mubasir Khan led the bowling effort, taking key Zaman and Salman Ali Agha wickets. However, the Markhors took advantage of the other bowlers, with Shadab Khan being picked off during the middle overs and not returning to bowl. Fellow legspinner Usama Mir conceded 83 runs without taking a wicket in his 10 overs.

Abdul Samad’s explosive 25-ball 62 helped the Markhors add 83 runs in the last five overs, setting a challenging total. In reply, Naseem Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani quickly dismantled the Panthers’ batting, sharing five wickets for just 56 runs. At one point, the Panthers were in danger of suffering one of Pakistan’s worst List A defeats. Still, late half-century stands between Amad Butt, Mubasir Khan, and Usama Mir provided some resistance. However, by then, the result was already beyond doubt.