Hawks Soar Into the Final
Hampshire Hawks are heading to the T20 Blast final after a thoroughly convincing 27-run victory over Notts Outlaws at Edgbaston on Finals Day. Joe Weatherley's stunning career-best knock and James Fuller's devastating pace bowling combined to end Nottinghamshire's hopes and set up a showpiece final against Northamptonshire Steelbacks. Having finished as runners-up in 2025, Hampshire will be desperate to go one better — and on this evidence, the bookmakers will be trimming their odds considerably heading into the final.
Vince and Weatherley Build a Platform
It wasn't the smoothest of starts for Hampshire. Opener Toby Albert lasted just two deliveries before edging Mohammad Amir through to wicketkeeper Tom Moores, leaving the Hawks nervy at 0-1. However, captain James Vince strode to the crease alongside Weatherley and the pair produced something quite special. Their partnership of 126 runs proved the backbone of the entire innings, and it was exactly the kind of composed, calculating batting that wins knockout matches.
Vince was in fine touch, contributing 59 from 43 balls in typically elegant fashion, including a monstrous six over deep square leg that disappeared into one of Edgbaston's partially rebuilt stands. He was eventually dismissed for a well-crafted half-century, holing out at long-on off former Hampshire team-mate Benny Howell's slower delivery. It was a fine innings, but the real plaudits belonged to Weatherley.
Weatherley's Career-Best Lights Up Edgbaston
Joe Weatherley has been in exceptional form throughout this year's competition, and he saved his finest performance for the biggest occasion. His unbeaten 88 from 58 balls — a new T20 career best — was an innings full of class, featuring five fours and five sixes. After Vince's departure, Weatherley refused to let the innings stall, continuing to punish anything loose right up until the final delivery. Tristan Stubbs managed only eight, but Hilton Cartwright chipped in with a brisk 19 from nine balls to help Hampshire post 187-3 — the highest total of Finals Day.
From a batting perspective, that Weatherley knock is the sort of innings that wins trophies. He read the situation perfectly, accelerated at exactly the right moments, and finished the job. If he carries this form into the final, Northants will need a plan for him.
Fuller Dismantles Notts With Clinical Pace
Chasing 188, Notts made a promising start — until George Munsey pulled a Chris Wood delivery straight to Tristan Stubbs in the leg side in the third over. However, Joe Clarke and Jack Haynes steadied the Outlaws' reply, and at 100-1 the match remained very much alive. Clarke was superb, striking 64 from 43 balls including some powerful hitting down the ground, but the moment he departed, Notts simply collapsed.
Enter James Fuller. The paceman was absolutely lethal, claiming 4-26 as Nottinghamshire surrendered their last nine wickets for just 60 runs. It was a remarkable capitulation from a side that looked well-placed to chase the target, and Fuller deserves enormous credit for the discipline and pace he produced under pressure. Notts were bowled out for 160 in 19.5 overs — 27 runs short.
Hampshire's Date With Destiny
For a Hampshire side that knows exactly what it feels like to finish second, this final represents a huge opportunity. Weatherley is in the form of his life, Fuller has proven he can win matches with the ball, and Vince leads this group with genuine authority. Northamptonshire Steelbacks await, and the T20 Blast final is set to be a cracker. Outright punters who backed Hampshire at the start of Finals Day will be feeling very confident right now.
