Watch: Arguably, the most chaotic end to a cricket match

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jul 17, 2024, 12:35 IST

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In the 2022 Vitality Blast final, Hampshire Hawks defended 153 against Lancashire Lightning on July 16. Needing 5 from the last ball, Nathan Ellis bowled Richard Gleeson, sparking celebrations interrupted by umpire signaling a no-ball. Lancashire then required 3 from the free-hit, but the keeper sealed a 1-run win for Hampshire.

Watch: Arguably, the most chaotic end to a cricket match

Hampshire cricketers celebrate winning the Vitality Blast final against Lancashire at Edgbaston on July 16, 2022. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: There have been numerous chaotic endings in cricket matches over the years, most of the time because of crowd invasions on the field as the last ball is bowled.
But what about an ending where cricketers themselves were running around on the field in joy of victory then realising that the match is not over yet!
That's exactly what happened in the 2022 Vitality Blast final between Lancashire Lightning and Hampshire Hawks at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 16.
Chasing 153, Lancashire needed five runs off one ball. Nathan Ellis clean bowled Richard Gleeson with a yorker. Ellis ran across the field chased by his teammates and even the fireworks went off sparking wild celebrations in the Hampshire dressing room.

A few moments later, all eyes fell on the umpire who had his hand held signaling a no-ball. And the replays confirmed it was a no-ball indeed!
Distraught Hampshire players walked back to their marks for the last ball of the match with Lancashire now needing 3 runs off a free-hit.
Richard Gleeson swung big, missed the slower delivery by Nathan Ellis and ran for byes but could complete only one run. The keeper charged in to break the stumps, then charged to the other end to break the stumps there as well. Hampshire won by 1 run in the end.
The fireworks went off once again and Hampshire were declared champions.

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TOI Sports Desk

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