August 11, 2024

Miles Hammond Goes Big to Keep Gloucestershire’s Quarter-final Hopes Alive.

“His 157 anchored a successful chase of a 333-run target against Nottinghamshire, surpassing Haseeb Hameed’s century. Gloucestershire achieved 333 for 3 (Hammond 157, Price 61, Bancroft 52) to defeat Nottinghamshire, who scored 332 (Hameed 105, James 61), by seven wickets.”

Miles Hammond’s superb 157 was the standout performance as Gloucestershire chased down a daunting 333-run target to defeat Notts Outlaws by seven wickets at Trent Bridge. This win keeps Gloucestershire in the running for a quarter-final spot in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

Notts Outlaws’ captain, Haseeb Hameed, scored his second century of the tournament, forming crucial partnerships of 129 with Lyndon James (61) and 80 with Tom Moores (40).

 Nottinghamshire was ultimately bowled out for 332 in 49.3 overs, with wickets evenly distributed among Gloucestershire’s seven bowlers. Left-arm spinner Graeme van Buuren led the attack with 3 for 40.

Gloucestershire capitalized on a solid 151-run opening partnership between Miles Hammond—who blasted 22 fours and five sixes—and Cameron Bancroft (52). Ollie Price added an unbeaten 61 as they comfortably chased down the target with 20 balls to spare.

With just one game remaining, Gloucestershire cannot overtake Group B leaders Glamorgan and Warwickshire. However, this victory propels them into third place, ahead of defending champions Leicestershire. Although Leicestershire have a game in hand at home against Glamorgan on Sunday, their final group match is against Gloucestershire at Bristol next Wednesday.

Gloucestershire will need to make adjustments as England Lions call-ups for Ollie Price, Zaman Akhter, and Ajeet Singh Dale have ruled them out of both the final group match and, if they advance, the quarter-final. These players are set to compete against Sri Lanka at Worcester.

Notts Outlaws still have a theoretical chance of a third knockout spot, but they must win both of their remaining matches to keep their hopes alive.

Miles Hammond had a stroke of luck on 14 when Haseeb Hameed missed a chance to dismiss him off an errant shot to the on side from Brett Hutton. Hammond responded by hitting a six over the short boundary off Hutton’s next over and cleared it twice more in a single over against Rob Lord.

Freddie McCann, the 19-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, finally made a breakthrough by trapping Cameron Bancroft leg-before with a delivery that turned in from round the wicket.

Hammond’s Dominant Century Secures Gloucestershire’s Victory Despite Late Wickets

Miles Hammond reached his century in 81 balls. He continued to dominate, hitting two more sixes—one off Rob Lord and another off Luke Fletcher—on his way to 153 from just 28 more deliveries. His innings ended when he was dismissed lbw by leg-spinner Calvin Harrison on a sweep shot just as he reached the milestone. With the pitch offering assistance to both Harrison and left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White, who bowled out James Bracey for 18, Gloucestershire faced some tense moments. However, Ollie Price’s unbeaten 57-run partnership with Ben Charlesworth ensured a comfortable victory.

Asked to bat first, Notts Outlaws made a brisk start, reaching 56 without loss in the ninth over. After his 164 at Guildford last Sunday, Slater was caught behind for 38, attempting a wide delivery from Singh Dale after hitting a six and a four in the same over. His opening partner McCann fell shortly after, caught at short fine leg off left-arm spinner Tom Smith. With Jack Haynes edging behind off Zaman Akhter in the following over, Nottinghamshire found themselves at 73 for three.

James, one of the two Nottinghamshire players selected to face Sri Lanka next week, showcased his importance with his second half-century of the competition. He and Haseeb Hameed took their time to settle before accelerating in tandem. James reached fifty from 51 balls after hitting consecutive sixes off Singh Dale. In comparison, Hameed brought up his half-century from 56 balls shortly after.

Their 22-over partnership ended with James being well caught at backward point. Following this, Hameed and Tom Moores unleashed a flurry of runs, adding 80 in just nine overs and pushing the score towards 350. However, after Hameed struck Dom Goodman for a six over midwicket to reach his century off 92 balls, he was dismissed immediately after, beaten by Tom Smith’s turn while advancing down the pitch.

Hameed’s departure triggered a chaotic end to the innings. Nottinghamshire lost their last six wickets in the final seven overs, with most caught in the deep. Despite adding 50 runs, thanks to Liam Patterson-White’s quick 29 off 10 balls, including three sixes, and Graeme van Buuren claiming three wickets in 12 balls, the innings ended in turmoil.