Cameron Bancroft’s masterful century and a disciplined bowling performance propelled Gloucestershire to a convincing 37-run victory over Surrey in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Bancroft’s 100 from 109 deliveries laid the foundation for Gloucestershire’s imposing total of 301. Miles Hammond contributed a brisk 51, while skipper Jack Taylor’s explosive 44, featuring five sixes, provided late impetus.
Surrey’s chase was anchored by Ryan Patel’s defiant 87 and Josh Blake’s 50, but they fell short of the target, mustering only 264. Conor McKerr impressed with List A best figures of 4-32, while Cameron Steel claimed 4-61.
Gloucestershire’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout Surrey’s innings. Matt Taylor’s 4-44 and Ajeet Singh Dale’s 2-49 proved crucial in restricting the hosts.
Surrey’s top order struggled against Taylor’s new ball burst, with Dom Sibley and Ben Geddes dismissed cheaply. Patel and Ben Foakes rallied with an 89-run partnership, but Singh Dale and Taylor broke the stand.
Blake and McKerr threatened with an 85-run seventh-wicket partnership, but Taylor’s sharp lifter ended McKerr’s resistance. Singh Dale then removed Foakes and Patel, leaving Surrey on the brink of defeat.
Blake and McKerr’s late resistance delayed Gloucestershire’s victory, but Dom Goodman’s dismissal of Blake sealed the deal.
Bancroft’s century anchored Gloucestershire’s innings, while Hammond’s half-century provided early momentum. Taylor’s late cameo gave the visitors a significant boost.
Surrey’s bowlers, led by McKerr and Steel, kept Gloucestershire in check for much of the innings. However, Taylor’s aggressive batting and Bancroft’s steady accumulation proved too much for the hosts.
