Sussex ascended to second place in the Vitality T20 Blast South Group on Friday with a thrilling seven-run victory over Hampshire in Southampton.
The team set an impressive target with a robust batting display, amassing 184/8, despite an early setback caused by Michael Neser’s three-wicket haul during the powerplay. However, the Australian all-rounder’s day ended on a forgettable note.
In the final delivery of the innings, Brad Wheal committed a cardinal sin by bowling a no-ball, but the situation took a bizarre turn due to a more glaring error by Neser.
On the resulting free-hit, Nathan McAndrew smashed the ball directly to Neser at long-on. Rather than capitalizing on the opportunity, Neser celebrated the catch with a casual jog towards the pitch, oblivious to the chaos unfolding behind him.
Wheal, realizing the blunder, frantically yelled for the ball. By the time Neser recognized the urgency, the batters had comfortably completed a second run.
Taking a catch on a free hit and forgetting it's a free hit 🫣
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 23, 2024
We've all been there, right? pic.twitter.com/JKx0nfZE5w
Neser, realizing his mistake, raised a hand in apology and looked skyward in frustration. With a nod of resignation, he hung his head, encapsulating the mix of regret and disbelief, inadvertently creating a memorable moment in T20 Blast history.
