BRISTOL — Gloucestershire secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2024 One Day Cup with a thrilling victory over Nottinghamshire, while in Group B, Yorkshire maintained their position at the summit in emphatic fashion, thrashing Durham thanks to a blistering 53-ball century from opener Finlay Bean.
In a rain-affected match at Bristol, Gloucestershire's bowlers set up a tense finish by restricting a powerful Nottinghamshire lineup to 251 all out from 47.2 overs. The home side's chase was then recalculated to 239 from 44 overs via the DLS method, a target they reached with just two balls and three wickets to spare, sparking celebrations for a team that has often fallen just short in recent seasons.
Gloucestershire's Bowlers Seize Control
After being put into bat, Nottinghamshire's innings was built on a solid 82 from opener Ben Slater and a quickfire 44 from Lyndon James. However, Gloucestershire's attack, led by the impressive Marchant de Lange (3-46) and well-supported by left-arm spinner Ed Middleton (2-39), consistently took wickets at crucial intervals to prevent the visitors from building an insurmountable total. The home side's fielding was also sharp, exemplified by two run-outs that derailed Nottinghamshire's momentum in the middle overs.
Gloucestershire’s captain, Graeme van Buuren, praised his team's collective effort, stating: "The character the boys showed today was fantastic. We've talked about dealing with pressure situations, and to get over the line against a very strong side like Notts gives us massive confidence heading into the knockouts."
A Nervy Chase and a Heroic Finish
The chase was far from straightforward for Gloucestershire. They lost early wickets, reducing them to 56-3, before Ollie Price (65) and James Bracey (47) steadied the ship with a vital 89-run partnership. When both fell in quick succession, the game was back in the balance. It was left to the lower order, with Ajeet Singh Dale striking a crucial 22 not out from 14 balls, to seal the dramatic victory with a boundary off the penultimate delivery.
Nottinghamshire's coach, Peter Moores, was left to rue missed opportunities: "We were probably 20-30 runs light with the bat, and then we didn't quite execute our plans at the death. Full credit to Gloucestershire, they held their nerve when it mattered."
Bean's Blistering Ton Demolishes Durham
At York, the story of the day was the breathtaking assault launched by Yorkshire's Finlay Bean. The left-handed opener annihilated the Durham bowling attack, racing to a hundred from just 53 deliveries—the fastest List A century by a Yorkshire player—to lay the foundation for a mammoth total of 376-6. Bean's innings was a masterclass in clean hitting, featuring 10 fours and 7 sixes.
He received superb support from captain Shan Masood, who crafted a elegant 86, and Harry Brook, who provided a brutal late-innings cameo of 71 from 35 balls. The Durham bowlers had no answer to the onslaught, with every member of the attack conceding more than six runs per over on a flat pitch.
A visibly delighted Bean said after the match: "It's one of those days where everything clicks. I felt good from the first ball, and the pitch was fantastic. To do it in a must-win game to keep us top of the group makes it even more special."
Yorkshire's Bowling Completes the Rout
Facing a near-impossible target, Durham's response never gained traction. Yorkshire's bowlers, energized by the huge total, applied relentless pressure. Ben Mike (3-38) and Matthew Revis (2-42) ripped through the top order, reducing Durham to 45-4 and effectively ending the contest. A resilient 76 from Graham Clark offered some resistance, but the required run rate always proved too steep, and Durham were eventually bowled out for 238 in the 42nd over, handing Yorkshire a massive 138-run victory.
Yorkshire's coach, Ottis Gibson, highlighted the team's all-round performance: "It starts with the bat, and Finlay was simply outstanding. But to then back it up and bowl with that intensity and discipline shows the character of this group. We're in a good place."
Group Standings and Knockout Picture
The results have significant implications for the knockout stages. In Group A, Gloucestershire's win sees them join Worcestershire and Middlesex in qualifying from a fiercely contested group. Their final position will be determined by the last round of matches. For Nottinghamshire, the defeat ends their hopes of progression in this year's competition.
In Group B, Yorkshire's dominant performance solidifies their position at the top of the table. Their net run rate received a huge boost, making them strong favourites to finish as group winners and secure a home semi-final. The battle for the other qualification spot remains tight between Lancashire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire.
The key takeaways from the day's action:
- Gloucestershire qualify for the knockouts for the first time in three years.
- Finlay Bean's 53-ball hundred is the fastest by a Yorkshire player in List A history.
- Yorkshire's total of 376-6 is their highest against Durham in the One Day Cup.
- The result leaves Durham struggling near the bottom of Group B.
As the group stage reaches its climax, both Gloucestershire and Yorkshire have sent a powerful message to their rivals. Gloucestershire has proven its ability to win tight, high-pressure games, a crucial asset in knockout cricket. Yorkshire, with their explosive batting lineup and disciplined bowling, have firmly established themselves as one of the teams to beat in the quest for the 2024 One Day Cup title.