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July 5, 2024
Sharks under the DLS method in the Vitality Blast at Hove. This win marked only Glamorgan’s third victory in the tournament. Yet, it was achieved in emphatic style, with the team posting a formidable total of 235 for 6—their third-highest total in the history of the Blast.
Glamorgan set the tone early, dominating the powerplay with a breathtaking 81 runs, which laid the foundation for their massive score. Sussex sorely missed the control that Ollie Robinson typically provides with the new ball, as he was sidelined with a back niggle.
However, it is debatable whether even Robinson could have contained the onslaught from Carlson, who was in imperious form. Glamorgan’s captain, Carlson, led from the front with a career-best innings that featured nine fours and three towering sixes. His intent was clear from the outset as he took on the Sussex bowlers aggressively and precisely, ensuring that his team maintained a relentless scoring rate throughout the innings.
Carlson’s innings were central to Glamorgan’s success. Still, it was supported by crucial partnerships that kept the momentum firmly with the visitors. After Will Smale’s early departure for a quickfire 35, which included eight fours and a six, Carlson forged a crucial 79-run standoff with just 33 balls with Smale. This was followed by a 72-run partnership with Tom Bevan off 37 balls and a 47-run stand with Colin Ingram off 24 balls, further solidifying Glamorgan’s dominance.
Sussex captain Tymal Mills was the only bowler to pose any real threat to Glamorgan’s batting lineup. Mills, who has been the standout bowler in the competition and is currently the leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps, led Sussex’s fightback in the latter stages of the innings.
He delivered a superb spell, finishing with figures of 4 for 29. Mills’ efforts were crucial in preventing Glamorgan from posting an even larger total, as he claimed four wickets in the final overs, including the vital scalp of Carlson, who was on the verge of a century before being deceived by one of Mills’ trademark slower balls.
Despite Mills’ heroics, Glamorgan looked on course for a total well beyond 250 when they were 194 for 3 after 15 overs. However, Sussex managed to claw back some control, taking four wickets and conceding only 39 runs in the final five overs, which slightly diminished Glamorgan’s advantage but still left Sussex with a daunting target.
Chasing a revised target after a 50-minute rain delay, Sussex’s hopes were pinned on a solid start. However, they suffered an early setback with the loss of Harrison Ward in the second over.
Australian left-hander Daniel Hughes, who has been in fine form throughout the competition, provided some resistance with a decisive innings of 74 off 38 balls. His knock, which included a series of audacious strokes, was his fourth half-century of the tournament and gave Sussex a glimmer of hope.
Hughes found support from Tom Clark, and together, they added 55 runs off 27 balls in a brisk partnership that kept Sussex in the hunt. However, Glamorgan’s leg spinner Mason Crane delivered a game-changing spell when he was introduced in the seventh over. Crane struck with his first three balls, removing Clark with a googly that stumped him. He then dismantled James Coles’ middle stump as he attempted a cross-batted swipe. These quick wickets derailed Sussex’s chase as the required run rate climbed steeply.
Hughes and John Simpson tried to keep Sussex’s hopes alive with a partnership of 49 off 31 balls as the pressure mounted. However, the task became increasingly impossible, escalating the run rate to nearly 15 percent. Simpson’s dismissal, caught at long-on, further dented Sussex’s chances. Although Hughes managed to hit Chris Sole two sixes off after the rain delay, he fell soon after, holing out to deep backward square. His departure effectively ended Sussex’s chances, as they finished on 190 for 8, well short of their target.
Despite the defeat, Sussex remains second in the South Group. However, the loss exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in their bowling attack without Robinson. Conversely, Glamorgan will take confidence from this comprehensive victory as they continue their campaign in the Vitality Blast. Carlson’s leadership and all-around performance were instrumental, as was the team’s ability to capitalize on the powerplay and maintain pressure with the ball, ensuring a well-deserved win.
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