Share

Rossouw gives lift-off to Hampshire Cup success

London - South African Rilee Rossouw didn't allow getting stuck in a lift on the eve of the match upset him as his sublime century propelled Hampshire to a 61-run win over Kent in the One Day Cup final at Lord's on Saturday. 

The 28-year-old - who according to the BBC was stuck in a lift at the team hotel between floors for 45 minutes on Friday - struck 125, his 12th century in the one day format, to help Hampshire set a new record total for a 50 overs final at Lord's of 331-7. 

Durham's 312 in 2007 had been the previous mark. 

"I'm a very proud captain and couldn't have asked for more from the boys throughout the tournament," Hampshire captain James Vince told Sky Sports. 

"Our fielding was (electric) today. We probably saved 30 or 40 runs in the field." 

Rossouw, who struck nine fours and three sixes, had been well supported firstly by his opening partner Tom Alsop, who made 72, and then former Kent skipper Sam Northeast punished his former team-mates with an unbeaten 75. 

Kent - who had done well to restrict Hampshire to just 68 runs in the final 10 overs at a cost of five wickets - were never really up to the chase especially once their star South African Heino Kuhn, who had an average of 94.86 in the competition, made a poor call for a run and was brilliantly run out by Gareth Berg. 

Kent lost another crucial wicket before they hit three figures as Joe Denly - who had enjoyed a good spell with the ball taking 4-57 - went for 12 caught by Vince off Berg. 

Although both opener Daniel Bell-Drummond and captain Sam Billings scored half-centuries - the former top scoring with 86 and the latter was last man out for 75 - Hampshire had plenty in hand. 

Billings - who on Friday was omitted from the England squad for the ODI series with India - said he did not regret opting to field first and predicted he and his team faced a golden future. 

Kent have not won a Lord's final for 40 years, stretching back to 1978. 

Eight defeats in one-day finals have followed since that Bob Woolmer-inspired six-wicket win against Derbyshire. 

"There's definitely far more to come from this group of players, without a doubt," he told Sky Sports.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE