Cricket

Leicestershire Foxes secured a resounding seven-wicket victory over Essex Eagles in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Sol Budinger. The left-hander's 120 off 120 balls propelled the Foxes to their second win in three matches this season.Essex, batting first, posted a competitive 290 for 9, with Noah Thain's blistering 53 off 27 balls providing the impetus. Matt Critchley (55) and Charlie Allison (51) also contributed valuable runs. However, Leicestershire's bowlers, led by Tom Scriven (2-45) and Liam Trevaskis (2-52), kept the Eagles in check.In reply, Leicestershire's openers, Harry Swindells and Lewis Hill, got off to a solid start, putting on 70 runs before Hill was dismissed for 37. Budinger then joined forces with Ajinkya Rahane (37) to add 75 for the third wicket, putting the Foxes in a commanding position.Budinger continued to dominate the Essex attack, reaching his century with a boundary off Tom Westley. He eventually fell for 120, but his innings had set the platform for victory. Ben Cox (16) and Liam Trevaskis (10*) guided the Foxes home with 15 balls to spare.For Essex, Critchley took 3 for 55, but his efforts were in vain as the Eagles suffered their first defeat of the campaign.

Hampshire Hawks' impressive bowling performance, led by John Turner's exceptional figures, propelled them to a thrilling seven-run victory over Essex Eagles in the Vitality Blast. The Eagles, who were runners-up in 2023, needed just a point at Utilita Bowl to secure a quarter-final berth, but Turner's devastating spell of 4 for 23 shattered their hopes.Hampshire's innings was anchored by Ben McDermott's exquisite 64, complemented by James Vince's 41 and Tom Prest's 41. The opening partnership between Vince and McDermott flourished, amassing 97 runs, the highest first-wicket stand for Hampshire in 2024. McDermott, who had struggled in previous Blast matches, showcased his versatility and power, reaching his 39-ball fifty with a combination of brute force and innovative shots.Essex's chase faltered from the outset, with Adam Rossington and Dean Elgar dismissed in the first over. Turner then took control, claiming two wickets in his opening over, including Michael Pepper and Paul Walter. Matt Critchley's dismissal gave Turner figures of 3 for 6 after just two overs.However, Essex's young guns, Luc Benkenstein and Charlie Allison, staged a remarkable recovery. Benkenstein, who had previously played a pivotal role in a victory over Glamorgan, and Allison, making his maiden T20 half-century, forged an 86-run partnership. Allison's 37-ball fifty was highlighted by a whipped six and a powerful over-the-top shot. Benkenstein also reached his first T20 half-century, four balls ahead of his teammate.With 38 runs required off 18 deliveries, Benkenstein's hopes were dashed when he scooped the ball straight up. Turner then clean-bowled Harmer for his fourth wicket. Turner's penultimate over conceded only six runs, leaving Essex needing 15 off the final over. Despite Allison's valiant 69, Wood defended brilliantly, securing Hampshire's fourth win of the competition.

Essex Eagles soared to their third consecutive Vitality Blast victory, overcoming Middlesex by 16 runs in a rain-soaked South Group encounter at Lord's.Despite a delayed start due to showers, Essex posted a competitive 129 for 4 in 12.4 overs, with Jordan Cox remaining unbeaten on 31 from 19 deliveries. Middlesex's target was initially revised to 143 from 12 overs, but a subsequent rain stoppage reduced it to 80 from six overs.Max Holden's valiant 41 from 24 balls proved insufficient for Middlesex, as they fell short on 63 for two. Essex's bowlers, led by Sam Walter's two wickets, kept the home side in check throughout the chase.Adam Rossington's early aggression set the tone for Essex, but Noah Cornwell's double strike removed both Rossington and Michael Pepper. Dean Elgar's 28 from 17 kept the scoreboard ticking, while Cox's assured knock provided the late impetus.Ryan Higgins dismissed Walter, but Cox's boundaries off Blake Cullen and Luke Hollman propelled Essex towards a strong total. Rain intervened once more, forcing a lengthy delay.Upon resumption, Holden and Stephen Eskinazi faced a daunting task, but another downpour halted play before a ball could be bowled. The revised target of 80 from six overs proved too challenging for Middlesex.Eskinazi's early boundaries gave Middlesex hope, but Walter's crucial wickets of Eskinazi and Higgins extinguished their chances. Holden's efforts kept the contest alive, but Essex's bowlers ultimately prevailed.