Will Steward hit a straight six off the third ball of the last over as Southampton Solent University opened their BUCS Cricket Championship programme with a thrilling one wicket win over Cardiff MCCU in Newport.
Chasing down Cardiff’s 193 (Nijjar 53), Solent cruised to 142-3 through Michael Porter (43), Matt Stokes (37) and Kieran Geyle (27).
But a middle-order stutter saw them collapse before needing two runs for victory off the final over with their last pair at the crease.
Steward was content to block the first two balls, but hoisted a huge six off the third to finish with 24 not out and give the Solent students a perfect start in the top British Universities Division.
Earlier Richard Locke (4-32), Brighton Mugochi (2-29), Joe Butcher (2-15), and Ollie Blandford (2-52) took the wickets for Solent, who host Exeter at Totton & Eling’s Southern Gardens on Wednesday, 12.30.
Chasing down Cardiff’s 193 (Nijjar 53), Solent cruised to 142-3 through Michael Porter (43), Matt Stokes (37) and Kieran Geyle (27).
But a middle-order stutter saw them collapse before needing two runs for victory off the final over with their last pair at the crease.
Steward was content to block the first two balls, but hoisted a huge six off the third to finish with 24 not out and give the Solent students a perfect start in the top British Universities Division.
Earlier Richard Locke (4-32), Brighton Mugochi (2-29), Joe Butcher (2-15), and Ollie Blandford (2-52) took the wickets for Solent, who host Exeter at Totton & Eling’s Southern Gardens on Wednesday, 12.30.
