Vitality Blast Men,2nd Semi-Final,July 18 2026- Hampshire Defeat Nottinghamshire by 27 Runs to Reach Vitality Blast Men 2026 Final

Joe Weatherley and James Vince Power Hampshire to 187/3

Hampshire lost Toby Albert on the second ball of the innings, but captain James Vince and Joe Weatherley rebuilt brilliantly with a match-defining partnership.

Top Performers – Hampshire Batting
Batter Runs Balls Strike Rate
Joe Weatherley* 88 58 151.72
James Vince 59 43 137.20
Hilton Cartwright* 19 9 211.11

Weatherley remained unbeaten on 88, striking five fours and five sixes in a superb innings. James Vince added a classy 59, laying the platform before Hilton Cartwright provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 19 from just nine deliveries.

Hampshire finished strongly on 187/3 in 20 overs.

Nottinghamshire Bowlers Struggle for Control

Although Hampshire scored freely, a few bowlers managed to claim wickets.

Best Bowlers – Nottinghamshire
Mohammad Amir: 1/31
Benny Howell: 1/21
Dillon Pennington: 1/39

However, none of the bowlers could prevent Hampshire from maintaining a run rate above nine throughout the innings.

Joe Clarke Keeps Nottinghamshire in the Chase

Chasing 188, Nottinghamshire captain Joe Clarke led from the front with an aggressive half-century.

Joe Clarke's Innings
64 runs
43 balls
6 fours
3 sixes
Strike Rate: 148.83

He shared useful partnerships with Jack Haynes, who contributed 25, but Hampshire's bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.

James Fuller Turns the Match

The turning point came during the middle and death overs when James Fuller dismantled Nottinghamshire's batting lineup.

James Fuller's Match-Winning Spell
3.5 overs
26 runs
4 wickets

Fuller removed Joe Clarke, Tom Moores, Joe Pocklington, and Olly Stone, ensuring Nottinghamshire never mounted a serious comeback.

Hampshire Bowlers Complete Clinical Victory

The supporting bowlers also played crucial roles.

Bowling Highlights
James Fuller: 4/26
Chris Wood: 2/31
Scott Currie: 2/33
Sonny Baker: 1/28
Liam Dawson: 1/36

Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 160 in 19.5 overs, giving Hampshire a convincing 27-run victory.

Match Summary
Hampshire – 187/3 (20 Overs)
Joe Weatherley – 88* (58)
James Vince – 59 (43)
Hilton Cartwright – 19* (9)

Best Bowlers (Nottinghamshire)

Mohammad Amir – 1/31
Benny Howell – 1/21
Dillon Pennington – 1/39
Nottinghamshire – 160 All Out (19.5 Overs)
Joe Clarke – 64 (43)
Jack Haynes – 25 (21)
Benny Howell – 19 (11)

Best Bowlers (Hampshire)

James Fuller – 4/26
Chris Wood – 2/31
Scott Currie – 2/33
Sonny Baker – 1/28
Liam Dawson – 1/36

Result: Hampshire won by 27 runs and qualified for the Vitality Blast Men 2026 Final.

Key Takeaways
Joe Weatherley's unbeaten 88 was the highest score of the match and anchored Hampshire's innings.
James Vince provided an excellent supporting half-century with 59.
James Fuller's 4/26 proved decisive in breaking Nottinghamshire's resistance.
Joe Clarke's 64 gave Nottinghamshire hope, but a lack of support from the middle order proved costly.
Hampshire's balanced batting and disciplined bowling secured a deserved place in the tournament final.
Conclusion

The second semi-final of the Vitality Blast Men 2026 showcased Hampshire at their best. A composed batting performance led by Joe Weatherley and James Vince laid the foundation for a challenging total, while James Fuller's outstanding spell ensured Nottinghamshire never got close to the target.

With a convincing 27-run victory, Hampshire advanced to the Vitality Blast Men 2026 Final, setting up an exciting title clash after a commanding all-round display at Edgbaston.