Australia pacer Nathan Ellis’ stunning four-fer helped Hampshire reach the T20 Blast 2023 semi-final with a convincing five wicket win over Worcestershire at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on July 7. Ellis registered his best bowling figures of 4/6 in T20 cricket as Worcestershire got all out for 100 in the 18th over.
James Vince won the toss and opted to field first. Chris Wood struck in his first over as Jack Haynes returned for a three-ball duck. John Turner in his first over got the wicket of Brett DOliveria. Mitchell Santner got out to Wood as well. In his second over, Turner got Adam Hose's wicket for a three-ball duck. James Fuller and Ellis joined the party too as Worcestershire were reduced to 29/6 in the eighth over.
Ed Pollock and Usama Mir helped Worcestershire recover. Pollock played the anchor knock whereas Mir took more chances. The Pakistan all-rounder scored 39 runs from 34 balls including four fours and one six. The partnership was broken by Benny Howell in the 17th over. The two batters shared a 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Ellis then wrapped up the tail the 18th over. Pollock remained stranded for 24 off 27 balls as Worcestershire got all out for 100 with 12 balls left in the innings.
In the run chase, Hampshire lost their first wicket in the second over. Tom Prest scored quickly in the powerplay overs. In the sixth over, Adam Finch got the wicket of Hampshire skipper Vince. Kiwi left-arm spinner Santner took the wicket of Prest who contributed with a 16-ball 25 cameo. Mir did some damage with the ball as well. He got the wicket of Joe Weatherley (25) and Liam Dawson (9). Ross Whiteley and Fuller ended the run chase in the 16th over. The semi-finals and final will now be played on July 15 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Ellis was given a longer run in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 by Punjab Kings (PBKS). He took 13 wickets from 10 matches including one four-fer.
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