T20 Blast: Brad Wheal bowls Hampshire to narrow win at Glamorgan

Opener James Vince's 44 anchored Hampshire's innings in Cardiff

Seamer Brad Wheal spearheaded a fine effort by Hampshire's bowlers as they beat Glamorgan by nine runs for a fourth straight T20 win.

Wheal claimed a career-best 5-38 as Glamorgan were bowled out for 125, with Sam Northeast's 36 off 40 balls their highest score.

Chris Wood (3-16) and Mason Crane (2-20) also impressed in the Hants attack.

Joe Weatherley top scored with 46 not out in Hampshire's patient innings of 134-4.

Hampshire took their time on a strange wicket which seemed greenish at one end and browner at the other, as James Vince anchored their innings with a run-a-ball 44.

They were just 32-2 at the end of the powerplay with Australia's Ben McDermott bowled for six trying to ramp Michael Hogan (1-23), while Tom Prest on five skied a pull off Prem Sisodiya (1-19).

The spinners were causing problems throughout as Andrew Salter (2-18) bowled Vince in the 14th over and Ross Whiteley for six in the 16th.

Weatherley and Toby Albert, who made 21 off 15 balls, got the hang of scoring rapidly enough in the closing overs as Hampshire gave themselves something to defend.

Chris Wood gave the visitors' bowlers an early boost with two overs for three wickets and the wicket of David Lloyd, while South Africa batter Colin Ingram just appeared to have got going with three boundaries when he was caught behind for 16 off Wheal.

The seamer then got rid of Kiran Carlson for 22 and Eddie Byrom first ball as Glamorgan struggled to accelerate.

With a mounting run-rate needed, former Hampshire opener Northeast and Chris Cooke looked to be well set in the middle with a stand of 31 before Mason Crane got rid of both in the decisive 16th over.

Wheal and Wood polished off the lower order as Glamorgan were unable to find the boundaries they needed and suffered a fifth defeat from seven completed matches.

The setback came the day after Glamorgan's second XI had won their T20 competition for the second time in three tournaments.

In contrast, Hampshire have moved from bottom of the South Group following four defeats to start, into fifth in the table.

Hampshire bowler Brad Wheal told BBC Radio Solent:

"It was a tough start to the season but the boys have turned it round now so it was good to get another win on the road.

"The pitch wasn't ideal for us, quite tough to start batting on so we had to assess the situation and see what sort of score was going to be competitive.

"We batted nicely at the back end to put together a score and give ourselves something to bowl at.

"It was a crucial knock from Joe Weatherley and definitely match-winning, with the bowlers we've got we were confident and we managed to take wickets upfront. Dawson and Mason (Crane) bowled well and thankfully we got Sam Northeast out when we did."

Glamorgan all-rounder Andrew Salter told BBC Sport Wales:

"It's a tough one to take, I felt we played some good cricket in patches but we didn't put a full performance together, we were short today, so it's a gutting feeling.

"The bounce was a little bit variable, in my spell I was trying to hold my length and keep them guessing that way, but it wasn't too bad.

"We didn't quite execute our plans and get some partnerships together so it made it tricky for us at the end.

"It was a great day out (with the second XI), really enjoyed some success with the lads, it was a long day but I was excited to get on the pitch today and get back into the team."