Durham’s hopes of winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup were preserved by Colin Ackermann’s comeback score of 96 and the outstanding all-around performance of former New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner in his maiden match following his retirement from the Test earlier this year. Durham defeated Hampshire by 144 runs at Gosforth.
With five sixes in 98 balls, Colin Ackermann spearheaded the comeback from 183 for 7 to 257 all out. Wagner, an overseas signing, contributed 33 before claiming 2 for 18 from six overs with the new ball as Hampshire collapsed to 113 all out.
Durham triumphed for the third time in six games to keep their hopes of finishing in the top three for knockout qualification, while Hampshire, who had began the day second in Group A with four victories from five games, lost for the second time. Paul Coughlin, a pitcher, also scored three runs.
The 38-year-old Wagner has committed to Durham on a short-term contract that will last the rest of the season. Since his 64th and final Test, which he played at home against South Africa in February, this was his first appearance of any kind.
On a competitive pitch at South Northumberland Cricket Club, Durham finished strongly with the bat to give themselves a respectable score while Hampshire started well with the ball and in the field.
Dom Kelly, the quick bowler for England Under-19s, removed both Durham openers with a 3 for 48 from 10 overs. Captain Nick Gubbins, who had chosen to bowl first, caught Michael Jones behind and Ben McKinney sharply at cover.
After Durham captain Alex Lees was again caught off guard by Felix Organ’s off-spin, the hosts were reduced to 56 for 3 in the 16th over.
An excellent start was also facilitated by Hampshire’s fielding. The former England player stammered trying for a single after Gubbins’s catch, and Scott Borthwick’s run out at the striker’s end from square-leg. Kyle Abbott made the throw.
The dismissals of Coughlin, Abbott and Kelly-bowled Hayden Mustard, and Bas de Leede further enhanced Hampshire’s position at 183 for seven in the 42nd over.
On this sunny but windy day, though, Durham’s comeback was just as spectacular. In eight overs, Colin Ackermann and Wagner had a 62-run eighth wicket partnership.
Wagner, who is left-handed, had a crucial 27-ball knock with good ball striking, helping Ackermann’s well-paced innings.
After as many balls, Ackermann reached 50. Three of his five sixes came beautifully down the ground off seam towards the end of an innings in which he just missed out on a well-earned century. Abbott’s numbers demonstrated Durham’s comeback. The former seamer from South Africa let up just 11 runs in his opening eight overs, but 23 in his last two overs.
As Hampshire’s openers, Gubbins and Fletcha Middleton, shared 40 runs in just eight overs, the early going seemed promising. Wagner, however, fought back, as he so frequently has throughout an incredible career.
The visitors fell to 45 for 3 in the eleventh as Coughlin had Gubbins caught behind. Wagner then had Middleton caught at slip and Tom Prest caught behind, both while driving.
Unfortunately, Coughlin’s other issues prevented them from making a full recovery. As Hampshire collapsed to 69 for six in the 17th over, he had Felix Organ caught at slip and Toby Albert caught behind. Ben Brown then hammered de Leede to mid-off.
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It was a hopeless effort from there. Two of the final four wickets were taken by off-spinner George Drissell, and Joseph Eckland was splendidly caught at backward point by a diving McKinney off the seam of Daniel Hogg. In the 27th over, De Leede grabbed the decisive wicket by dismissing Brad Wheal.
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