Warwickshire’s Ed Barnard continued his impressive form at Chelmsford’s Cloud County Ground, smashing a career-best 173 not out to lead his team to a seven-wicket victory over Essex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Barnard’s innings, his highest in List A cricket, anchored Warwickshire’s chase of Essex’s 324 for 7. He shared crucial partnerships with Rob Yates (42), Will Rhodes (41), and Michael Burgess (59 not out) to guide his team to victory with 14 balls to spare.
Essex, who struggled throughout the 2023 campaign, were put into bat on a green-tinged wicket. Nick Browne top-scored with 75, while Charlie Allison contributed 69 and Luc Benkenstein added 44. Olly Hannon-Dalby was the pick of the Warwickshire bowlers, claiming three wickets for 69 runs.
Chasing a target of 325, Warwickshire lost Yates early, but Barnard remained unyielding. He reached his century from 100 balls and continued to punish the Essex bowlers, hitting four sixes in total. Rhodes and Burgess provided valuable support, with Burgess hitting three sixes in his 42-ball half-century.
Earlier, Essex had made a solid start thanks to Browne and Feroze Khushi’s 51-run opening stand. However, Barnard and Tom Westley struck to remove Khushi and Westley, respectively. Robin Das and Browne then added 71 runs, but Rhodes dismissed Das to leave Essex at 142 for 3.
Browne reached his half-century but was dismissed soon after, while Allison and Benkenstein provided some late fireworks. However, Hannon-Dalby’s quickfire treble, including Benkenstein’s wicket, put a dent in Essex’s hopes.
Warwickshire’s victory was their second in the competition, while Essex remained winless. Barnard’s heroics and the team’s clinical batting performance will give them confidence as they look to improve their position in the standings.
