Kent Spitfires Secure Four-Wicket Win Over Hampshire

Harry Finch's patient and resilient innings guided the Kent Spitfires to a four-wicket victory against Hampshire in their Metro Bank Cup Group match at Beckenham.

Set a target of 169, Kent struggled early, finding themselves at 96 for 6. However, Finch, who scored 53 not out, and Charlie Stobo, with an unbeaten 32, formed a crucial partnership of 74 runs to lead Kent to victory. Hampshire's innings had earlier concluded at 168, with Beyers Swanepoel taking 3 for 28. Kyle Abbott, batting at number 10, top-scored for Hampshire with 37, helping them reach a defendable total after Dom Kelly and Nick Gubbins each contributed 32 runs.

Abbott also shone with the ball, delivering 10 overs for just 16 runs and taking three wickets. Despite his efforts, Hampshire's bowlers began to tire, and Finch, initially slow with a strike rate of five, accelerated towards the end to secure the win for Kent.

Hampshire chose to bat first on what appeared to be a favourable Beckenham pitch, but poor shot selection and a strong Kent fielding effort limited them. They quickly fell to 24 for 4, with Swanepoel swinging the ball both ways and taking key wickets. Joe Eckland and Gubbins attempted to stabilise the innings, but further wickets fell, including a costly run-out of Abbott by Nathan Gilchrist.

Kent's chase started poorly, losing Marcus O'Riordan and Joey Evison early to Abbott's bowling. After a series of quick wickets, Kent was struggling at 96 for 6. However, Finch and Stobo steadied the innings, with Finch hitting his first boundary on the 60th ball he faced. Their partnership brought Kent back into the game, with Stobo hitting a six to bring them close to victory. A missed stumping chance by Hampshire off Finch nearly added drama, but Finch sealed the win with a boundary, completing the chase with 9.3 overs to spare.