Cricket-Lancashire seal dramatic win over Hampshire to stay in title race

Vilas held his nerve, though, and hit the winning runs off Liam Dawson. A win for Hampshire would have made them champions, but Lancashire can now win the title if Warwickshire fail to beat Somerset at Edgbaston on Friday.

Captain Dane Vilas dug in for a superb unbeaten knock of 47 to lead Lancashire to a dramatic one-wicket win over Hampshire on Thursday and keep his team in the County Championship title race. Chasing 196, Lancashire looked to be easing to victory with nine runs required before Hampshire hit back with three wickets in as many overs to set up a tense finish. Vilas held his nerve, though, and hit the winning runs off Liam Dawson.

A win for Hampshire would have made them champions, but Lancashire can now win the title if Warwickshire fail to beat Somerset at Edgbaston on Friday. Hampshire had an opportunity to claim the trophy after Warwickshire failed to take maximum bowling points in Somerset's first innings.

Tom Bailey returned career-best figures of 7-37 as Hampshire were bowled out for 196 after resuming day three on 158-7. Alex Davies (44) gave Lancashire a solid start but Mason Crane completed fine bowling figures of 5-41 before Vilas saw his side home. Lancashire last won the County Championship title in 2011.

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