Warwickshire completed a thrilling five-run win over Hampshire in a County Championship Division One fixture at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday, September 29. As a result, Yorkshire have been relegated to Division Two at the County Championship for the first time since 2012
Chasing a victory target of 139, Hampshire lost Felix Organ in the third over of the innings, with the opener falling to pacer Oliver Hannon-Dalby. It was all about Liam Norwell thereafter, who reduced Hampshire to 91/7 with six wickets spread over a 28.1 over period in the innings, including the key one of skipper James Vince.
Nick Gubbins though held his end strong, and found support in No.9 James Fuller, who struck three fours in a 21-ball 22 to revive Hampshire’s hopes. Norwell stepped up again, trapping Gubbins leg-before for a gritty 104-ball 46 to end a brisk 33-run stand. He would later dismiss Fuller and No.11 Mohammad Abbas within a space of four balls to seal Warwickshire’s just second win from 14 games in the season.
Warwickshire finished eighth with two wins in the 10-team points table, while Hampshire remained third with nine wins, in a table led by Surrey and Lancashire respectively.
This win saved Warwickshire from relegation, and meant that Yorkshire, who lost six of their last eight games, and registered just one win from 14 games overall, finished second-bottom and are back in Division Two for the first time since 2012.
Nottinghamshire finished top in Division Two with eight wins, followed by Middlesex and Glamorgan with six each.
