Essex Cruise to Eight-Wicket Victory Over Hampshire in Vitality Blast

Essex continued their impressive start to the Vitality Blast with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl. Dean Elgar led the way for Essex with an unbeaten 60, while Michael Pepper (44) and Jordan Cox (41*) also made significant contributions.

Hampshire had posted a competitive 166 for 7, thanks largely to a late flurry from James Fuller (39*). Joe Weatherley (48) had earlier provided a solid foundation for the Hawks, but Essex's bowlers kept them in check throughout the innings.

Essex's chase got off to a flying start, with Adam Rossington smashing two sixes in the first over. Elgar then took over the mantle, hitting six boundaries in his 34-ball fifty. Pepper also played aggressively, reaching 250 runs in this season's Blast before being dismissed for 44.

Cox anchored the innings with an unbeaten 41, ensuring that Essex reached their target with 20 balls to spare. The victory was Essex's fourth in the competition, and they now sit top of the South Group.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #Essex, #Hampshire, #DeanElgar, #MichaelPepper