t20: Gloucestershire 98-0 beat Surrey 97 by 10 wickets
Gloucestershire produced the perfect t20 performance to demolish Surrey at the Brit Oval.
Chasing just 98 to win, James Franklin and Will Porterfield had the audacity to knock the runs off and complete a total destruction.
A wonderfully-professional display from the visitors saw a perfectly executed plan in the field fire Surrey out for just 97 - the first time Glos have ever conceded beneath 100 runs in a 20-over match.
The effort in the first innings was then followed by an fabulous display with the bat. James Franklin again powered Gloucestershire off to a great start but it was Will Porterfield who played the most eye-catching strokes. His upper-cut for six over cover-point off Andre Nel was the first time the Porterfield has really showed his ability for Gloucestershire.
And even though a blistering start had ensured victory, the openers kept their foot on the pedal to win in just the tenth over.
But it was a marvellous effort in the field by the Westcountry men that set up the momentous victory. All the bowlers operated with tight lines and electric fielding caused mistakes to be made from the batsmen - three run outs were effected.
Surrey were reduced to 17-5. One of the best batting line-ups in t20 had been completely blown away. The big names kept walking out for Surrey but Anthony Ireland produced a nagging opening spell - two overs for six - and Ian Butler bowled the type of spell he has been brought in for - three overs, three-for-eight.
Only eight boundaries were conceded and the first innings was finished in just above 18 overs - the large crowd in at the Oval were stunned; Franklin and Porterfield ensured they went home completely bewildered.
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
Ruthless is how I would describe it. Best Glos one day performance since the glory days.
ReplyDeleteCome on the Shire. My wish for Louis Gegg to be signed up has also been confirmed (before he signed for another county, by the way)
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