Second XI T20 - 01 July 2021
Gloucestershire won by 8 wickets
Venue: Bristol County Ground
Gloucestershire v Northants - Match 1
Gloucestershire 2xi vs Northamptonshire 2xi – 2 x T20’s @ Bristol County Ground
On a stunning day at the Bristol County Ground, Northamptonshire Second XI travelled south for two T20 matches with both sides looking to gain valuable match practice in time for the commencement of the Vitality T20 Blast competition. Gloucestershire’s picked an incredibly strong squad, with latest signing Glenn Phillips thrown into the mix alongside the likes of first XI regulars Chris Dent, Ryan Higgins and T20 skipper Jack Taylor. Northamptonshire also fielding a star-studded side featuring South African duo Richard Levi and Wayne Parnell.
1st T20
Northamptonshire electing to bat first, got off to a poor start with opener Ben Curran being run out in the first over by a skillful pick up and throw by the experienced Ryan Higgins. Gloucestershire looked to take charge of this as David Payne cleaned up Richard Levi in the next over with a beautiful delivery beating him all ends up. However, this brought to the crease opposition skipper Josh Cobb (78 off 55) and eventually Wayne Parnell (49 off 30) who forged a brilliant partnership of 119 which took the game away from Gloucestershire as they reached 186 for 6 in their 20 overs.
In reply, Gloucestershire had the dream start with openers Miles Hammond (42 off 20) and Chris Dent (93 off 31) looking in magnificent touch in an opening stand of 122 inside 6 overs. Dent in particular with some brutal hitting off pace and spin, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes in total. Ian Cockbain (28* off 13 balls) and Glenn Phillips had little trouble in reaching the target once Dent was eventually dismissed as Gloucestershire cruised to an 8 wicket win in the 12th over.