Glamorgan Snatch Thrilling Derby Win Over Gloucestershire in One Day Cup
Glamorgan’s nail-biting 27-run victory over Gloucestershire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Welsh county. Despite a shaky start, Glamorgan rallied behind a brilliant half-century from Ben Kellaway and a superb bowling performance from Dan Douthwaite to secure their first win of the tournament.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Glamorgan found themselves in early trouble as Gloucestershire’s bowlers exploited the seam movement on offer. Openers Josh Shaw and Ajeet Singh Dale made the most of the conditions, dismissing Will Smale and Eddie Byrom cheaply. However, a 49-run partnership between Kiran Carlson and Billy Root provided some stability before both batsmen fell in quick succession.
With Glamorgan reeling at 99 for 5, it was left to Kellaway and debutant Asa Tribe to rebuild the innings. Kellaway played a crucial role, hitting a composed 65 not out to guide his team to a respectable total of 187 for 8. His partnerships with Tribe, Douthwaite, and Timm van der Gugten were vital in ensuring Glamorgan batted the full allocation of overs.
Gloucestershire’s chase began in a similar fashion to Glamorgan’s innings, with Van der Gugten and Jamie McIlroy claiming early wickets. However, James Bracey’s brilliance kept the visitors in the contest. The former England keeper played a lone hand, scoring a magnificent 86 off 79 balls.
With Gloucestershire needing just 31 runs from the final six overs, the match seemed to be slipping away from Glamorgan. However, Douthwaite and Andy Gorvin combined to trigger a dramatic collapse. Douthwaite dismissed Bracey for 86, while Gorvin claimed three wickets in quick succession. Gloucestershire were eventually bowled out for 160, handing Glamorgan a thrilling victory.
Douthwaite’s four-wicket haul and Gorvin’s three-wicket burst were crucial in securing the win for Glamorgan. Kellaway’s half-century and the contributions of Tribe, Douthwaite, and Van der Gugten were also instrumental in the victory.