One-Day Cup: Azharullah shines before rain ends Hants v Northants

Azharullah had only taken two wickets in Northants' four previous One-Day Cup games this season

Northants were left frustrated after rain denied them a chance of victory following Muhammad Azharullah's 5-38 against Hampshire in the One-Day Cup.

The weather closed in after the home side had been bowled out for 249 in the 49th over at the Ageas Bowl.

No further play was possible as the game ended in a no result, with both sides collecting one point.

Sean Terry (53) and Will Smith (59) batted well, but Hampshire's last seven wickets fell for just 60 runs.

Azharullah's figures were his best in List A cricket - 40 or 50-over formats - and his victims included Sean Ervine and Michael Bates, who departed in the space of three balls in the 38th over.

The Pakistan-born player was well supported by fellow paceman Maurice Chambers, who took 3-47, including the wicket of Smith, who was caught at point by Stephen Peters.

The no-result meant both sides remained in the lower half of the Group A table, with only one victory each in the competition so far.

Northants head coach David Ripley:

"It is a shame we did not get the chance to convert our position at half-time into a win.

"Hampshire were under-par with the score they got on what was essentially a good wicket.

"From the power-play situation, we had fought back and bowled and fielded well. Had the rain not come down I would have backed us to get the runs."