Warwickshire’s unbeaten run in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup continued as they edged out a depleted Surrey side by a thrilling three runs at Rugby School.
Chris Benjamin’s fluent 75 and Michael Burgess’ classy 60 propelled Warwickshire to a competitive 311 for 9. James Taylor and Cameron Steel led the Surrey bowling attack, which was missing 15 players due to England and Hundred commitments.
Surrey’s response fell just short at 308 for 9, despite a brilliant 149 from Dom Sibley against his former team. Sibley’s innings featured 12 fours and four sixes, but only Ben Geddes (62) provided significant support.
Warwickshire’s innings got off to a shaky start as Ed Barnard was dismissed early by Taylor. However, Rob Yates and Will Rhodes steadied the ship with a 58-run partnership. Yates departed after pulling a Geddes delivery to deep square leg, while Rhodes was bowled by Steel.
Hamza Shaikh provided some entertainment with a six over midwicket, but he soon fell to Conor McKerr at long-on. Benjamin and Burgess then took control of the innings, adding 117 runs in 14 overs. Benjamin struck the ball with power and precision, reaching his half-century in just 38 balls. Burgess followed suit with his eighth List A half-century.
Benjamin’s innings came to an end when he was caught at mid-off, but Kai Smith’s cameo of 26 lifted Warwickshire’s total over 300.
Surrey’s reply began brightly as Sibley and Ryan Patel put on a 50-run opening partnership. However, Patel’s dismissal triggered a collapse as Surrey lost four wickets in quick succession. Geddes, Rory Burns, Ben Foakes, and Steel all departed, leaving Sibley stranded on 124.
Josh Blake’s lively 26 gave Surrey hope, but he was dismissed by Oliver Hannon-Dalby. Sibley reached his century, but his hopes of guiding Surrey to victory were dashed when he edged Hannon-Dalby to Burgess.
With 39 runs needed from three overs, Nathan Barnwell and Taylor gave it their all, but they fell just short in a thrilling finish.
