LONDON, Aug 29: Pakistan Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria helped Essex wrap up the Sunday League Division One title — their first one-day league crown since 1985 — as Hampshire fell apart in Colchester on Sunday.

Will Jefferson gave them ideal basis with 88 off 106 balls. But his batting partners came and went rapidly, with England hopeful Chris Tremlett taking 3-48.

Hampshire looked set for victory as Nic Pothas (49) and John Crawley (84) put on 95 for first wicket before their batting line-up fell apart.

Essex captain Ronnie Irani described it as “most emotional day of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to be on winning side in Benson & Hedges Cup and NatWest Trophy but winning this gives me even more satisfaction.”

Kaneria was pick of Essex attack as he took wickets of Pothas, Sean Ervine and Andy Bichel for loss of just 36 runs.

His spin threat was ably supported by James Middlebrook (2-37), who turned the ball with similar success.

That double threat, combined with some fine fielding, completely turned the game around.—Agencies