Cricket

Times

19/09/2024 05:30
County Championship Division One
Lancashire vs Somerset County
Ben Slater. Source: x.com

Ben Slater and Rob Lord Shine as Nottinghamshire Overpowers Surrey

Nottinghamshire Outlaws secured a resounding 107-run victory over Surrey in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, driven by Ben Slater's phenomenal batting and Rob Lord's impressive bowling.

Ben Slater capitalised on Guildford's short square boundaries, smashing nine sixes and 12 fours in a stunning List A career-best of 164 off 119 balls, leading the Outlaws to a formidable 378 for 6.

In front of a sold-out crowd of over 2,000 at Woodbridge Road, 23-year-old seamer Rob Lord, playing only his second senior match, delivered a stellar performance with the ball, claiming 5 for 45 as Surrey was bowled out for 271.

The Outlaws' third win in Group B significantly boosted their chances of advancing in the 50-over competition, while Surrey suffered their fifth defeat in five matches. Dom Sibley, who scored 72 off 81 balls, was the only Surrey batsman to pose a significant threat, following up his 149 against Warwickshire.

Tailender Conor McKerr provided some late entertainment with a rapid 36-ball 71, his highest score in senior cricket, but it was too little too late for Surrey.

Slater was supported by Jack Haynes in a record second-wicket partnership for Nottinghamshire against Surrey, adding 187 runs in 28 overs. Haynes, who had scored four ducks in his previous four innings, found form with a fluent 86 off 85 balls. Nottinghamshire's total of 378 was also a record for List A matches between the two counties.

Freddie McCann contributed a lively 28 before mis-hitting Ryan Patel to mid-off. Slater's first six, off McKerr, signalled his aggressive intent. After reaching his eighth List A hundred, Slater accelerated further, hitting Cameron Steel for three sixes in an over that cost 27 runs. Slater eventually fell for 164, driving James Taylor to Ben Foakes at extra cover, with Nottinghamshire at 345.

Haseeb Hameed and Lyndon James fell cheaply trying to accelerate, but Matthew Montgomery added a quick 38 off 21 balls, and Tom Moores' unbeaten 24 helped the Outlaws reach 378.

In Surrey's reply, Sibley and Patel gave a solid start, adding 66 runs in 11 overs. Patel scored 35, including two sixes, before falling to James. Ben Geddes' 32-ball 34 helped Surrey reach 115 for 1, but a brilliant catch by Moores off Lord's bowling turned the tide.

Rory Burns was trapped lbw by Liam Patterson-White for a duck, and Surrey's chase faltered. Ben Foakes and Steel were dismissed cheaply, and Sibley's departure in the 31st over left Surrey in a dire position. Lord claimed his fifth wicket when Josh Blake hooked to long leg.

McKerr enjoyed a brief flourish, sharing a 71-run partnership with Nathan Barnwell, but Surrey's resistance ended quickly. James and Luke Fletcher each took two wickets, sealing Nottinghamshire's dominant win.

Read more