T20 Blast 2022 | Round-up May 31 | South Group

Essex vs Hampshire 

Essex opted to bowl first and put optimum pressure on the opposition batters. In the 11th over, Hampshire were reeling at 59/3. The knocks from Ben McDermott (38) and Joe Weatherley (37) helped them post a respectable total of 150 on the board. Samuel Cook and Simon Harmer were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each. 

In reply, Essex had a good start with 50+ runs in the powerplay overs. However, Adam Rossington (13) and William Buttleman (9) had made their way back to the pavilion. Finally, the unbeaten partnership of Michael-Kyle Pepper (75*) and Matthew Critchley (45*) helped the team to chase down the target in under 14 overs. 

It was the second win for Essex, while Hampshire have sustained losses in all three appearances.

Brief scores:

Hampshire- 150/6 (20)

Ben McDermott 38 (38), Joe Weatherley 37(24);

Simon Harmer 2/16

Essex - 152/2 (13.5)

Michael Pepper 75* (42), Matthew Critchley 45* (24);

Nathan Ellis 1/9

Result: Essex won by 8 wickets

Surrey vs Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire won the toss and invited Surrey to bat first at Kennington Oval. The talented opening duo Will Jacks (51) and Jason Roy (28) were impressive to give a rousing start to the team, as they scored 70+ runs in six overs. However, the batting order crumbled due to the brilliance of Paul Van Mekereen and Tom Smith, and Surrey was dismissed for 129. 

In reply, it was a terrific spell of seam bowling from Surrey to take out the first four wickets of the opposition in a matter of five overs. The resistance from Ryan Higgins (37) helped to lessen the deficit, as Gloucs lost by 37 runs. Sam Curran celebrated the England call-up by picking up four wickets. 

Surrey have 2 victories in 2 appearances, while Gloucestershire have secured a single win in 3 league matches. 

Brief scores:

Surrey - 129/10 (15)

Jason Roy 28 (17), Will Jacks 51 (33);

Tom Smith 3/13

Gloucestershire- 92/10 (15)

Ryan Higgins 37 (30), Tom Smith 14 (10)

Sam Curran 4/14

Result: Surrey won by 37 runs