Northamptonshire clinched their first Vitality Blast title in a decade and their third overall with a thrilling 14-run victory over Hampshire in Saturday's nail-biting final at Edgbaston.

The match saw Steelbacks seamer Luke Procter shine with figures of 2-25, taking two crucial wickets in the penultimate over. Fellow veteran Ben Sanderson also made a significant impact, claiming 2-26 and dismissing Hampshire’s top-scorer Joe Weatherley (75 off 53) in the final over, as the Hawks fell short at 155 while chasing 170.

Northants seemed in control at 138-2 in the 16th over but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 31 runs, ending their innings at 169 all out. Hampshire’s Sonny Baker made history by becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Finals Day with 5-21.

Despite this, Northants roared back, with Ricardo Vasconcelos delivering a stellar performance, scoring 88 off 59 balls. The Steelbacks' bowling unit, led by James Sales (3-25) and Calvin Harrison, effectively dismantled the Hampshire batting lineup, which struggled with early setbacks and critical run-outs.

In a match marked by electric fielding from Hampshire, including spectacular catches by James Vince and Weatherley, the Hawks' chase faltered after reaching 90-5. A brief partnership between Weatherley and Liam Dawson (35 off 18) offered hope, but crucial wickets fell at pivotal moments, culminating in a wild celebration for the Steelbacks as Sanderson sealed the win by bowling Baker.

This victory for Northamptonshire not only secured their place in T20 history alongside Somerset, Leicestershire, and Hampshire but also denied the Hawks a record fourth title after finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year.