Hampshire slip into relegation mix as rain saves Sussex

Sussex 122 (Alsop 39, Fortuin 4-30, Abbott 4-38) & 84/3 (Haines 40) drew with Hampshire 226 (Brown 71, Carson 3-31) & 173 (Fuller 49, Coles 4-47, Unadkat 4-50)*

A rain-soaked final day at Hove left Hampshire frustrated as their push for victory against Sussex faded away, deepening relegation concerns in Division One.

Only 21 overs of play were possible at the 1st Central County Ground before heavy showers forced an early close. Sussex, set 278 to win, were 84 for 3 with opener Tom Haines battling unbeaten on 40 when the weather intervened at 4pm. Both sides eventually walked away with 11 points.

For Hampshire, the result compounded a disappointing day after an eight-point deduction was confirmed due to a poor pitch prepared in May. The penalty now leaves them perilously close to the relegation zone with matches against Somerset and title contenders Surrey still to come.

Sussex, meanwhile, will be satisfied with the outcome, as the draw keeps them clear of the drop zone. They next face Yorkshire in a crucial clash before ending their season against Worcestershire.

Turning points of the match

• Hampshire’s bowlers fought back: Kyle Abbott (4-38) and Bjorn Fortuin (4-30) gave their side the upper hand in the first innings.
• Fortuin & Barker strikes on final day: Both bowlers picked up wickets in quick succession to raise Hampshire’s hopes.
• Rain steals the show: With Sussex three down and still far from their target, the weather proved decisive in ending Hampshire’s victory charge.

Hampshire will now need results to go their way in the final rounds, while Sussex will take heart from the draw that increases the gap from the relegation places.

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