A thrilling finish at the College Ground in Cheltenham saw Gloucestershire hold off a valiant chase by Glamorgan in a match for the history books. Chasing a mammoth 593 for victory, Glamorgan fell agonizingly short, requiring just a single run off the final ball but ultimately succumbing to a last-ball tie. This dramatic encounter in the English County Championship left both sides with contrasting emotions.
Gloucestershire’s Ajeet Singh Dale and James Bracey, the bowling and wicketkeeping heroes, were ecstatic to have denied Glamorgan a world record chase. Meanwhile, Glamorgan batsman Jamie McIlroy, needing just a single off the last ball, was left heartbroken after a valiant effort.
McIlroy managed to get a touch on Dale’s delivery but only with the outside edge, resulting in a brilliant one-handed catch by Bracey behind the stumps. This sent the home crowd in Cheltenham into a frenzy as Gloucestershire secured an unlikely tie.
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Glamorgan’s chase was fueled by a brilliant knock of 187 from captain Sam Northeast, ably supported by Australian star Marnus Labuschagne’s 119. Their efforts put Glamorgan within touching distance of the highest successful run chase in first-class history, currently held by West Zone (541-7) in the Duleep Trophy (2010).
Madness in the County Championship 🤯
With one ball remaining on Day 4, Glamorgan needed just one run to win and pull off a world record run chase… 👀
However, Gloucestershire keeper James Bracey took a worldie, which saw the match end in a tie 🥵pic.twitter.com/iItqLAuooX
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 3, 2024
Despite the pressure, Gloucestershire’s bowlers displayed remarkable composure. Matt Taylor emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets, including that of Northeast. In the end, it was Ajeet Singh Dale who delivered the killer blow, denying Glamorgan victory at the death.
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While falling short of the record, Glamorgan can take pride in their monumental effort. They registered the highest fourth-innings score in any first-class match played in England and the third best ever, showcasing their remarkable batting depth.
