Rose Bowl plays host to Inaugural npower Twenty20 Competition
A powerful start to the new national cricket competition at The Rose Bowl!
Hampshire Media Release
14-Mar-2003
A powerful start to the new national cricket competition at The Rose Bowl!
This week's announcement (w/c 11th March, 2003) that npower is to sponsor the new Twenty20 Cup competition reinforces the expectation of some electrifying and powerful cricket at The Rose Bowl this summer.
With Hampshire being selected for the prestigious inaugural match on Friday, 13th June, this all-action, twenty-over competition is precisely half the length of the previous shortest game in this country.
With only an hour and a quarter to pile up match-winning runs, the pressure will be on Hampshire's batsmen for some high run-rate cricket that is likely to have spectators on the edge of their seats as the ball is smashed around The Rose Bowl.
Guaranteed live television coverage on Sky Sports will ensure that the eyes of the cricket world will be on The Rose Bowl as the two-week summer competition is launched with Hampshire clashing with Sussex in a mouth-watering South Coast derby.
As smoke (the Twenty20 Cup replaces the old Benson & Hedges Cup) gives way to modern power (npower is one of the UK's largest energy providers), the competition looks set to attract a new and younger spectator audience, particularly as off-field entertainment will include live bands, replay screens, BBQ zones and karaoke machines.
"With npower's sponsorship now confirmed, the atmosphere at the Rose Bowl is definitely going to be electric this summer." said Nick Pike, The Rose Bowl's managing director. "With no time for a batsman to play himself in and players throwing themselves about in the field, it'll be powerful action all the way and a hectic evening for players and spectators alike!"
Editor's Note:
The Twenty20 Cup splits the 18 First-Class Counties into three groups of six teams, the 45 group matches will be played over a 12 day period in June (13th - 24th June). The winners of the three groups and the best runner-up will progress to the finals day on Saturday, 19th July.
Issued by: Hampshire Cricket
Press Contacts: Jane Kerr 07976 549705
John Hughes 07973 705773