Gloucestershire’s relentless pursuit of a quarter-final berth in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup received a significant boost as they chased down a formidable 333-run target set by Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Trent Bridge. Miles Hammond’s scintillating 157, studded with 22 fours and five sixes, proved to be the cornerstone of Gloucestershire’s emphatic seven-wicket victory.
Nottinghamshire’s innings got off to a blistering start, with skipper Haseeb Hameed and Lyndon James forging a 129-run opening partnership. Hameed, who notched up his second century of the competition, shared a further 80-run stand with Tom Moores. However, Gloucestershire’s bowlers, led by Graeme van Buuren’s three-wicket haul, managed to restrict the Outlaws to 332 in 49.3 overs.
In response, Gloucestershire openers Hammond and Cameron Bancroft laid the foundation for the chase with a 151-run partnership. Hammond, in particular, was in imperious form, reaching his century off just 81 deliveries. Despite losing Bancroft to Freddie McCann’s leg-before, Hammond continued to torment the Nottinghamshire bowlers, adding two more sixes to his tally before being dismissed for 157.
Ollie Price’s unbeaten 61, along with Ben Charlesworth’s contribution, ensured that Gloucestershire cruised to victory with 20 balls to spare. The win propelled Gloucestershire into third place in Group B, ahead of holders Leicestershire.
However, Gloucestershire’s joy was tempered by the news that England Lions call-ups for Price, Zaman Akhter, and Ajeet Singh Dale would rule them out of the final group round and the quarter-final, should they qualify.
The Outlaws, despite their defeat, remain mathematically in contention for a knock-out spot. However, they would need to win both their remaining matches to have a chance of progressing.
