Damp end to Durham's big day
| 18:44 UK time, Saturday, 18 August 2007
Just when it looked like Durham were on their way to their first major trophy, the ancient enemy of all cricketers intervened - rain.
Dale Benkenstein's team were clearly in the driving seat against Hampshire in the Friends Provident Trophy final at Lord's, with Hants reeling at 158-5 in response to the north-easterners' 312-5 from their 50 overs, when the heavens opened.
Play was eventually called off for the day at 1844 BST on Saturday evening - and we'll all be back bright and early on Sunday for the match to continue.
The playing regulations are not always clear to the average fan in such circumstances, but the regulations printed on the official match scorecard state:
"One reserve day has been allocated in case of weather interference. If there is a delayed start or one or more interruptions in play, the Umpires may order extra time on the first day if they consider that a finish can be obtained on that day.
"If the Umpires are satisfied that a result cannot be obtained on the first day, the timing for cessation of play on that day will be 8pm. Up to 60 minutes of extra official playing time is available on the Reserve Day to make up for playing time lost."
So, it looks like Durham may have to wait until Sunday to complete what looks like a famous victory. But what will be a pity for them (and their fans, some of whom will have travelled a long way) is that they may have to do so in front of a half-empty Lord's tomorrow, rather than today's near full house.
Hampshire know all about finishing a final with an anti-climax, as their Benson & Hedges Cup victory over Kent in 1992 was stretched into the second day in similar circumstances, and Mark Nicholas lifted the trophy early on Sunday afternoon.
Although Nicholas's modern-day successor Shane Warne, he of the never-say-die attitude, may dream of an unlikely fightback tomorrow led by Nic Pothas, Dimitri Mascarenhas and himself, the reality is that Hampshire need an unllikely 155 more runs off 17.3 overs, at a rate approaching nine an over, with five wickets in hand. Their nemesis Ottis Gibson can only bowl two of those overs.
So, the odds suggest that Durham will wrap it up tomorrow - and Benkenstein, Gibson, Chanderpaul, Mustard and the other heroes can enjoy their day in the sun.
But cricket's a funny game - is it Durham's to lose now? Will Hampshire play with the freedom that comes from chasing a lost cause, like Paul Nixon and Ravi Bopara did when they almost snatched England that unlikely World Cup victory from the jaws of defeat against Sri Lanka?
Let me know what you think - I'll be back here tomorrow.
°ä´Ç³¾³¾±ð²Ô³Ù²õÌýÌýPost your comment
But England DID lose so Im 100% sure Durham will wrap it up tommorow. Although we do have to be wary on Masceranhas and Pothas.
Complain about this comment
It is Durham's to loose. Pothas will have to pull it out of the bag to win the game for his team. Due to Mustard's superb 49 and Chanderpauls fine innings of 78, it will take something special from Pothas, Masceranhas and even Warne to give Hampshire a chance.
Complain about this comment
Lumb, Ervine.... What were you doing? A good knock from Pothas or Mascarenhas, and a long overdue century from Warne would be great, but improbable.
If they can add a hundred to the score without losing more than one wicket, I'll give them a chance.
Complain about this comment
As I said earlier, the best Indian batsman in world cricket today does not hail from India but from Windies: Shiv 'Tiger' Chanderpaul.
Well done Durham...in advance.
Complain about this comment
It has been an absolute pleasure and a thrill to have been at Lords both on saturday and sunday to watch Durham win their first trophy. congratulations to everyone concerned.
Complain about this comment