Hampshire hang on for deserved draw

After the mediocrity of the third day at New Road, the final day was totally opposite with some good batting, bowling and fielding that saw the match going to a last ball draw.

Worcestershire looked for quick runs in the morning at the risk of losing wickets, and were able to declare setting Hampshire the stiff task of scoring 314 to win in 74 overs.

The visitors got off to a shocking start, losing both openers with just 13 runs of their target achieved. It took the two senior men in the Hampshire line out to recover this position and put their team in with a shout for of victory. John Crawley and Robin Smith took all that was thrown at them, sharing a vital 115 run partnership. Crawley fell when he edged the sharp Kabir Ali to the weekend, scoring his second half century of the match. Smith's 130 ball stay produced some vintage batting.

Nic Pothas the hero of Hampshire's first innings, continued his good form, and continued the run chase with the help of Dimitri Mascarenhas, but, when both fell to the pace of Nanty Hayward, it looked up for Hampshire. Wasim Akram came in ahead of Udal, falling to a catch on the boundary that could so easily have gone for a six.

Mullally came to the crease when Udal went, and faced 14 balls to save the day, with injured Giddings having to face two deliveries.

Nanty Hayward showed what a useful bowler he is with his belligerent pace, finishing with 5 wickets in his Worcestershire debut.