LONDON — Surrey suffered their heaviest-ever defeat in the One-Day Cup as Essex dominated with a crushing 283-run victory at Chelmsford, while Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Worcestershire, Middlesex, Sussex, and Northamptonshire all secured wins in a high-scoring round of matches.
Essex posted a mammoth 409-5, their highest List A total, before bowling Surrey out for just 126 in 24.4 overs. Captain Tom Westley led the charge with a career-best 152 off 126 balls, supported by Beau Webster (92) and Robin Das (75*). Surrey’s reply collapsed spectacularly, with Jamie Porter (4-24) and Shane Snater (3-25) dismantling the batting lineup.
Essex’s Record-Breaking Performance
Essex’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, with Westley and Webster putting on 187 for the second wicket. Westley, who struck 17 fours and three sixes, said post-match, "It was one of those days where everything clicked. The pitch was great, and we just kept building momentum." Surrey’s bowlers had no answers, with only Dan Worrall (2-62) managing any control.
Surrey’s chase never gained traction, losing wickets at regular intervals. Key moments included:
- Ryan Patel falling for a golden duck to Porter
- Rory Burns (23) and Ben Geddes (21) offering brief resistance
- Snater’s triple-strike in the middle overs sealing the collapse
Other One-Day Cup Highlights
Gloucestershire vs. Kent
Gloucestershire chased down Kent’s 319-7 with four wickets to spare, thanks to a brilliant 119 from James Bracey. Kent’s Joey Evison hit 102*, but it wasn’t enough as Gloucestershire’s middle order held firm. "Bracey’s innings was the difference," admitted Kent skipper Jack Leaning.
Hampshire vs. Somerset
Hampshire defended 312-9 against Somerset, winning by 42 runs. Tom Prest (87) and Fletcha Middleton (76) set the platform, while Mason Crane’s 4-49 stifled Somerset’s chase. "Our spinners turned the game," said Hampshire’s stand-in captain, James Vince.
Worcestershire vs. Leicestershire
Worcestershire triumphed by six wickets after restricting Leicestershire to 255. Jake Libby (91*) anchored the chase, with Gareth Roderick adding 70. "Jake’s composure was outstanding," praised Worcestershire coach Alan Richardson.
Middlesex, Sussex, and Northants Secure Wins
Middlesex edged Durham by two wickets in a thriller, with Max Holden’s 75* guiding them home. Sussex comfortably chased 279 against Derbyshire, led by Tom Clark’s 98. Northamptonshire’s Ricardo Vasconcelos (124*) powered them past Glamorgan’s 307.
Surrey’s Post-Match Reaction
Surrey’s head coach Gareth Batty admitted, "We were outplayed in every department. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’ll learn from it." Essex’s Westley, meanwhile, praised his team’s ruthlessness: "To win like that sends a message to the competition."
Looking Ahead
With the group stage heating up, Essex’s statement win puts them among the favorites. Surrey, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Key upcoming fixtures:
- Essex vs. Hampshire – A top-of-the-table clash
- Surrey vs. Kent – A chance for redemption
- Worcestershire vs. Sussex – Battle of in-form sides
The One-Day Cup continues to deliver thrilling cricket, with Essex’s record-breaking performance the standout moment of the round. As teams jostle for knockout spots, the competition promises more fireworks in the coming weeks.