In a thrilling performance, the young Dominic Kelly of England Under-19 squad showcased his talent by taking a hat-trick against Derbyshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. His exceptional feat paved the way for Hampshire’s resounding victory over their opponents by a whopping 143 runs.
Kelly’s heroics included dismissing Zak Chappell, Harry Moore, and Daryl Dupavillon in quick succession, becoming only the third Hampshire bowler to achieve a hat-trick in List A Cricket, following in the footsteps of John Rice and Malcolm Marshall. The 18-year-old quick’s exceptional bowling display left the opposition reeling and secured Hampshire a crucial win.
The foundation for Hampshire’s triumph was laid by Joe Weatherley, whose impressive innings of 93, combined with Nick Gubbins’ solid performance, set the stage for a formidable total of 295 runs. The pair shared a crucial partnership of 113 runs, propelling Hampshire towards a commanding position in the match.
Despite a valiant effort from Derbyshire’s Brooke Guest, who scored 44 runs, the team fell short in their chase against Hampshire’s strong bowling attack led by Kelly. The victory saw Hampshire maintain their unbeaten record in the Utilita Bowl games and positioned them well for a spot in the knockout stage, while Derbyshire suffered their second loss in the tournament.
Derbyshire, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first and initially contained Hampshire’s batting line-up with tight bowling. However, Hampshire’s top order, which had struggled in the previous matches, displayed resilience and composure to lay a solid foundation for a challenging total.
Fletcha Middleton and Weatherley provided a steady start before Gubbins joined forces with Weatherley to anchor the innings. Although wickets fell at regular intervals towards the end, Hampshire managed to accelerate their scoring rate, thanks to crucial contributions from the lower order.
Kelly’s historic hat-trick capped off a memorable day for Hampshire, as Chappell, Moore, and Dupavillon fell victim to his bowling prowess. The young pacer’s sensational performance not only secured a crucial win for Hampshire but also etched his name in the record books.
With Hampshire’s victory, the team continues to impress in the One Day Cup, while Derbyshire will look to bounce back from their defeat in the upcoming matches. The match served as a testament to the talent and potential of young players like Kelly, who have the ability to make a significant impact on the game.
