Normal graphics

Dazzling batting by Ramps and Razzaq not enough for Brown Caps

Published 18 June 2008

Abdul Razzaq

A brutal batting display from Mark Ramprakash and Abdul Razzaq was not enough to give Surrey victory as Hampshire took the honours at the Brit Insurance Oval this evening.

Both Ramprakash and Razzaq scored dazzling half centuries as Surrey batted first and posted a decent target of 175 for six.

Ramprakash found himself at the crease in the first over as Ali Brown was dismissed caught for a first ball duck. He batted with caution at the start but after striking his first boundary began to accumulate runs with ease.

Afzaal joined his captain at the crease, when Scott Newman was bowled with the score on 23, and looked in fantastic form by striking the ball to the boundary as well as using his feet to the spinners. However after reaching 18 the left-hander did not get hold of a lofted off-drive and was caught by Chris Benham at long off.

This brought Razzaq to the crease and together with Ramprakash put real impetus into the Surrey batting. The pair put on 90 for the fifth wicket with flourishing strokes including deft touches from Ramprakash and blistering straight drives from Razzaq.

The Surrey number three went past his half century but was brilliantly caught and bowled by Nanti Hayward for 60. Meanwhile Razzaq pressed the accelerator to smash Surrey past 150 and up to 174. However when he and Jonathan Batty were dismissed in consecutive deliveries, Surrey could only manage one more run as they finished on 175 for six.

The Brown Caps started well in the field to pick up the early wicket of danger man Ian Harvey, who was trapped lbw to Pedro Collins. However the Hawks put together steady partnerships right the way through the innings starting with Michael Lumb and Michael Carberry who both scored 45.

The game evened up when Lumb was followed by Benham with the score 71 for three but Chris Jordan could not hold onto a tough chance at extra cover which would have put Surrey in the driving seat. Carberry made use of his life and forged another partnership with Sean Ervine, who played some devastating strokes as Hampshire found themselves ten runs ahead of the rate with nine overs to go.

The Brown Caps got themselves back into the game when a brace of wickets fell in the same Chris Schofield over but Ervine steadied the ship to take his side from 128 for four to within 12 runs of victory.

Although Ervine was caught only four runs short of his half century, the game was up for the home side as Greg Lamb knocked the winning runs to take his side to an emphatic win with an over to spare.

To see highlights of this match, click here.

Add to Del.icio.us Digg it (What is this?)

Advertisements

  • Britinsurance 120x60
  • Pa Sport120x60
  • ECB small
Natwest Pro 40 Promo Button
Get Coached promotional button

Player spotlight

Gary Wilson

Gary Wilson
View my profile