Glamorgan keeps Vitality Blast qualifying hopes alive with thrilling 1-point win over Surrey | Cricket News

Glamorgan kept their qualifying hopes for Vitality Blast alive with a spectacular one-point victory over Surrey in a thrilling game in Cardiff.

Ollie Pope (60) had the highest score at Sophia Gardens; continuing his unbeaten 52 against Middlesex with another half a century, but when he was exhausted with two overs remaining, Glamorgan appeared to be in control.

However, Kyle Jamieson looked set to be Surrey’s hero, crushing 31 in just 14 balls, which left the visitors in need of two runs on the final delivery.

Despite this, the New Zealand crimper was unable to close the deal, as Timm van der Gugten maintained his composure to take out the Surrey man, as Glamorgan moved within three points of ‘a place in the top four.

Glamorgan was again without Australian pair Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser, who remain in isolation after being identified as close contacts of Nick Selman, who tested positive for Covid-19.

The hosts were inserted by last year’s finalists, but they got off to a terrific start, with makeshift opener Kiran Carlson (32) and David Lloyd (41) putting in 56 for the opening wicket before Jamieson doesn’t count for Carlson in the sixth grade.

Glamorgan was reduced to 81-3 after losing dangerous Colin Ingram and Lloyd in back-to-back deliveries, but Billy Root (41 no) hit four sixes in the final as he helped the hosts score 153-6.

Ollie Pope managed two consecutive half centuries in the Vitality Blast, but it was not enough to secure the victory for Surrey

Moriarty (1-16 of 4) and Will Jacks (1-21 of 4) were Surrey’s attacking pick, but Jacks succumbed to the first ball of their response, choosing Roman Walker for cover from Prem’s bowling alley. Sisodiya (2-22).

Laurie Evans subsequently left to let Surrey flounder to 8-2, but the English duo of Rory Burns (24) and Pope put in 57 for the third wicket, before Burns was knocked down by the economic Walker (1- 17 of 4).

Jamie Smith (20) struggled for fluidity as visitors lost wickets at regular intervals, and Pope’s 45-ball hit ended when he was knocked out by Carlson as he struggled to keep The strike.

Jamieson pointed out his references with the bat in an explosive cameo, but that wasn’t enough as Surrey suffered their third loss of the campaign to remain fourth in the standings.

Somerset missed the opportunity to climb over Surrey in the South Group, after suffering a six-wicket loss to Essex eagles in Chelsmford.

Devon Conway hit his second half century in as many days for Somerset

Devon Conway (53) recorded a 50 straight after his half-century at Canterbury on Monday, though the visitors must have regretted a dramatic collapse as they slipped from 107-2 to 139-9.

Essex captain Simon Harmer (4-24 of 4) dealt the damage, while Jack Plom (3-31) was also featured as Somerset was knocked out for 153.

Essex vs Somerset scoreboard

Essex’s goal was reduced to 148-19 after a brief delay in rain, and the hosts were indebted to a third wicket of 80 between Adam Wheater (49) and Michael Pepper (55 no).

The hosts lost Jimmy Neesham cheaply in the 15th, but Ryan ten Doeschate (15 out of 12) provided Pepper with an effective foil, as Essex wrapped up the win with five balls to lose to advance to sixth.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks climbed above Leicestershire foxes at the bottom of the northern group thanks to a convincing five-wicket win at Leicester.

Rob Keogh sealed the victory with a limit; best scoring 34 as the Steelbacks chased a modest 139 target with 10 balls to spare.

Josh Cobb played an enterprising cameo as the Steelbacks descended from the bottom of the Nord group table

Ricardo Vasconcelos set the tone with 30 of 18 balls, Josh Cobb made a quick 28 shot, while Saif Zaib hit two sixes as he finished undefeated on 21 of 11 balls, after left arm spinner Freddie Heldreich (2-17) had delivered with the ball.

Scott Steel impressed for the Foxes – registering numbers 2-17 from his four overs and the best score with a patient 44, although with the exception of Harry Swindells, who smashed 32 of 16 balls, the hosts have were disappointed as they were knocked down inside 19.5 overs.

The other meets Blast of the night between Sussex sharks and Kent spitfire was carried away without a ball being thrown at Hove.

Delray Rawlins was one of three Sussex players withdrawn from the squad on Tuesday afternoon

Sussex was forced into late changes after Tom Clark tested positive for Covid-19 and three members of their team for the match – Ollie Robinson, Henry Crocombe and Delray Rawlins – had to self-isolate after being identified among seven close contacts.

However, the game was called off two hours before the scheduled 7pm start due to a wet outfield, meaning five of Sussex’s last six games have been abandoned.

Watch more Vitality Blast action live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6:15 p.m. Friday as the Yorkshire Vikings welcome the Lancashire Lightning to the Clash of the Roses.