Gloucestershire and Sussex produced an exhilarating T20 Blast contest at Cheltenham’s College Ground on July 17. While Sussex ultimately stole a four-wicket win, the most electric moment came in the first innings, thanks to Gloucestershire’s seam-bowling all-rounder Ben Charlesworth, who turned potential disaster into a viral highlight.
Promoted to No. 4 after D’Arcy Short’s dismissal in the 12th over, the 24‑year‑old Charlesworth played with both flair and composure, smashing 44 runs off just 24 balls (SR 183), including three fours and as many sixes.
One such moment showcased his football upbringing: attempting a wide cut, the ball struck the pitch and grazed the stumps; Charlesworth instinctively launched it over the keeper using his left foot, evoking memories of Lionel Messi’s magic. The commentator quipped that only cricketers who warm up with football can pull this off, drawing laughter from viewers.
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However, Sussex chased it down in a nail‑biting finish—benched off the final ball—with key innings from James Coles (62 off 40) and Tom Alsop (55 off 33) steering the successful chase.
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Throughout the South Group standings, Sussex now holds 26 points from 13 matches, while Gloucestershire sits at 20 from 13. Though Charlesworth’s knock didn’t seal victory, his clevert foot save became the game’s most talked-about moment.
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This game encapsulated the T20 spirit: high stakes, split-second reflexes, and flashes of brilliance. Charlesworth’s mix of aggression with football-style awareness lights up a tournament famed for unpredictability. His cheeky, instinctive save will remain a highlight reel staple—even as Gloucestershire assess what they could have done better in the chase.
