Chris Lynn Smashes Historic Finals Day Ton as Hampshire Crush Northants to Reach Vitality Blast Final

Chris Lynn Smashes Historic Finals Day Ton as Hampshire Crush Northants to Reach Vitality Blast Final

Chris Lynn blasted his way into the history books with the first-ever century on Vitality Blast Finals Day, powering Hampshire Hawks to a commanding six-wicket (DLS) win over Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the second semi-final at Edgbaston.

The Australian opener produced a stunning 108 off just 51 balls*, hammering 11 sixes and five fours, to single-handedly dismantle Northants’ DLS-adjusted target of 155 in 18 overs, with Hampshire getting home with 14 balls to spare. The victory sends the Hawks into tonight’s Finals Day showdown against Somerset.

 Lynn’s Masterclass Seals the Deal

With the chase trimmed due to rain, Lynn launched a brutal assault on the Steelbacks’ bowlers from the outset, reaching his half-century in just 24 balls and racing to his hundred in 49. His four successive sixes off Lloyd Pope were the highlight of a record-breaking knock that left the Northants attack shell-shocked.

No other Hampshire batter crossed 12, but they didn’t need to. Lynn’s clean ball-striking and composure under pressure ensured the target was never out of reach, even when wickets fell around him.

 Northants Collapse, But Broad Battles

Earlier, Hampshire had elected to bowl first and reduced Northamptonshire to 86 for 6, with Chris Wood, Scott Currie, Sonny Baker, and Bjorn Fortuin doing early damage. Star names like David Willey, Ricardo Vasconcelos, and Ravi Bopara fell cheaply.

But Justin Broad fought back valiantly, scoring a defiant 61 off 39 balls*, including some inventive strokeplay in a 70-run partnership with Luke Procter (30 off 20). The late surge helped Northants post a competitive 158 for 7 from 18 overs before rain interrupted play.

The innings saw moments of brilliance in the field — notably Chris Wood’s sharp catch at short third and James Vince’s direct-hit run-out of Lewis McManus just before the rain break.

 Match Summary

Northamptonshire Steelbacks – 158/7 in 18 overs
(Justin Broad 61*, Luke Procter 30; Wood 1-13, Baker 1-20, Fortuin 1-21)

Hampshire Hawks – 155/4 in 15.4 overs (target 155 via DLS)
(Chris Lynn 108*; Scrimshaw 1-24, Zaib 1-27)

Result: Hampshire Hawks won by 6 wickets (DLS)
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Player of the Match: Chris Lynn

 Into the Final

Hampshire now advance to face Somerset in the 2025 Vitality Blast Final later this evening. With Lynn in red-hot form and Somerset also buoyed by a bonus-point win earlier in the day, a thrilling finish to Finals Day is on the cards.

 What They Said

"Lynny was just incredible today. That kind of innings under pressure shows why he's one of the best in the world at this format."
— James Vince, Hampshire captain

"We were in a strong position early, but you can’t plan for someone like Lynn doing that. Credit to him."
— Justin Broad, Northants batter

 Did You Know?

  • Chris Lynn’s 108 is now the highest individual score on Vitality Blast Finals Day.*

  • His 11 sixes are also a Finals Day record.

  • Northants have now lost three of their last four T20 semi-finals.

With one foot already in history, Lynn and Hampshire will now aim to cap a memorable day by lifting the trophy.