Hampshire produced a commanding all-round display to thrash Surrey by nine wickets in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Kia Oval. Veteran seamer James Fuller’s superb 4 for 34, along with strong support from youngster Andrew Neal and 16-year-old pacer Manny Lumsden, dismantled Surrey for just 160 runs. In reply, skipper Nick Gubbins led the chase with a blistering unbeaten 87 off 60 balls, guiding Hampshire to victory with over 30 overs to spare.
Hampshire’s Bowlers Dominate Surrey
Surrey’s innings never found momentum as early wickets left them reeling at 89 for 6. Fuller struck key blows while Neal’s left-arm spin and Lumsden’s raw pace proved too hot to handle. Despite some late resistance from Josh Blake (22) and James Taylor, Surrey folded for 160 in 46.3 overs.
“Fuller showed all his experience today,” praised a Hampshire teammate. “His ability to strike in the middle overs completely broke Surrey’s rhythm.”
Neal impressed with figures of 3 for 33, dismissing Ben Foakes, Ollie Sykes, and Cameron Steel, while teenager Lumsden picked up two wickets, including Rory Burns, in only his second List A appearance.
Gubbins Anchors Chase With Flawless Knock
Chasing a modest target, Hampshire openers Nick Gubbins and Ali Orr gave a brisk start before Orr departed for 19. From there, Gubbins took charge, smashing 13 fours and 3 sixes in a dominating innings. He was well-supported by Fletcha Middleton’s unbeaten 35 off 24 balls, the pair adding 108 runs in under 10 overs to seal the match.
“We just wanted to be positive from the start,” Gubbins said post-match. “The bowlers set the tone and it was up to us to finish it off quickly.”
Surrey’s bowlers struggled badly, with Nathan Barnwell conceding 50 runs from just three overs and Yousuf Majid going for 31 in his spell. Hampshire wrapped up the chase in style at 162 for 1, securing their fourth win in five matches and boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
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