Match report provided by ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay.
Glamorgan finished their Vitality Blast campaign in bitter-sweet fashion, completing a 52-run win over Middlesex despite failing to qualify for the qualification stages at the final hurdle.
Kiran Carlson led from the front for Glamorgan with a rapid 19-ball 49 sending his side to a 77-run powerplay before finishing on 184 for 9 with support from The Hundred’s newest recruit, Ben Kellaway’s 40.
Noah Corwell took three wickets in four balls for the visitors to claw back their chances with Kane Williamson striking a stylish 63 in vain for Middlesex before Dan Douthwaite finished off the Middlesex tail for 132 with figures of 4 for 22.
Despite the comprehensive victory, wins already completed elsewhere before Glamorgan could confirm victory themselves left them short of qualification while Middlesex finished the campaign in a disappointing eighth with just three wins.
Carlson won the toss and elected to bat on the second use of a double-header pitch at Sophia Gardens. With Middlesex unable to qualify, eyes turned to Glamorgan to win with losses needed from Kent and Sussex in a tall order.
Pressure to win wouldn’t have been obvious by the unknowing from the offset, Kiran Carlson taking a straight six off the backfoot against Zafar Gohar in the first over, followed by a nonchalant flick off the pads against Noah Cornwell in the next over set him away with Middlesex followers scratching heads.
The Glamorgan skipper’s five minutes of lightning which had been so commonly seen before an untimely dismissal didn’t show signs of repetition when his side needed it. At 44 from 12 balls, he was a non-moment away from equalling a Vitality Blast record.
Glamorgan’s monumental powerplay left a long way back for the visitors; 77 coming unbeaten from the first six overs, 18-year-old James Feldman conceding 19 from his first over in professional cricket a damaging point.
Luke Hollman contained with just 11 coming from the leg-spinner’s first three overs while Glamorgan lost two wickets for nine runs, both set openers perishing in moments of appetite for a 200-plus total.
Kellaway refreshed the Glamorgan with reverse sweeps and positively destructive drives. Colin Ingram faltered with a reverse-sweep to leave two youngsters to combine for an important 29-run partnership together with 44 more added with Douthwaite regained respect.
Cornwell’s fightback penultimate over with Feldman’s exciting prospect recovery from his powerplay over left Middlesex within the battle despite Glamorgan’s blistering start.
If Glamorgan’s powerplay was significant for setting a tone, Middlesex’s was also, albeit for the wrong reasons. Seven balls into proceedings at 2 for 2, a mix-up leaving Stevie Eskinazi well short of his ground before Timm van der Gugten found Max Holden’s edge.
Williamson was typically classy, recovering Middlesex despite movement under lights and kept the chase a possibility. In an attempt to dampen Glamorgan’s qualification hopes, the New Zealander started slowly before driving, both elegantly and destructively on his way to a knock in vain.
Support from starts wasn’t enough from Ben Geddes and Leus du Plooy both undone by Glamorgan’s top wicket taker of the campaign, Ned Leonard who fought back from 14 runs taken in his first three deliveries.
At Williamson’s departure on 102 for 6, the reflection back to 2 for 2 left the improbable task to drift away, a disciplined and economical display particularly from Imad Wasim and Dan Douthwaite always kept the Welsh County in a favourable position.
Glamorgan Men
Middlesex Men
