By Richard Watts
May 5 2007

Hampshire held out with two wickets remaining to avoid defeat against the Younus Khan inspired Yorkshire. Younus followed up a century and double century with career best bowling figures as Nick Pothas' unbeaten 76 denied Yorkshire victory. Yorkshire batted first and made a good start with Michael Vaughan playing with increasing confidence. At 77 for 2, Younus joined Vaughan and they effortlessly put on 57 before Younus ran the England captain out for 72. That was to be Khan's only blot in the game. He went on to complete his first Yorkshire Championship ton making 106 from 151 balls. Adil Rashid made 54 but for the first time this season Yorkhsire's tail failed to wag and they were all out for 299.

On the Second day Hampshire looked to be taking command at 158 for 1 but fine fast bowling from Bresnan 4 for 65 and Gillespie 3 for 40 brought Yorkshire right back into it and despite Brown's 105, Hampshire fell three runs short of Yorkshire's total. Yorkshire bowling was well supported by keeper Brophy who collected five victims.

Early wickets fell in Yorkshire's second innings and with Vaughan out injured Yorkshire effectively stood at 52-3 overnight. Everything changed on the Third day as Yorkshire, thanks to Younus Khan, well supported by half century maker Matthew Hoggard and an aggressive Brophy, took total command of the match. Khan made 202 not out (290 balls, 21 fours and a six), Hoggard 61 and Brophy 100 not out (115 balls, 13 fours and a six). Khan and Brophy put on an unbeaten 194 as Yorkshire closed on 439 for 4. It got even better for them when Gillespie sent back first innings century maker Brown before the close.

Gillespie struck early on the final day but Yorkshire were held up by Adams (90), Crawley (50) and ex Yorkshire player Lumb (57). Younus Khan's career best bowling figures of 4 for 52 looked like giving Yorkshire victory but Nick Pothas with 76 not out thwarted them as the game ended in a draw with Hampshire on 366 for 8. Jason Gillespie again bowled well taking 3 for 44.

Another top Yorkshire performance and an outstanding one by Younus Khan. Yorkshire take plenty of positives out of the game but ultimately a flat last day pitch was to deny them what would have been a deserved victory.