Glamorgan and Kent have a recent history of providing exciting finishes to their one day encounters, and it was not surprising to see another thrilling game in Friday’s T20 Blast encounter at The SSE Swalec in Cardiff, writes Edward Bevan.
In the corresponding game in 2014, Kent started the final over as favourites, needing only three runs for victory. However, Michael Hogan’s first three deliveries produced a dot ball and two dismissals. The ninth wicket pair then scrambled three singles before Doug Bollinger was run out from the last ball attempting a second run as Glamorgan tied their first game in the competition.
Hogan was again Kent’s nemesis in the T20 game at Tunbridge Wells last season, where Kent were again favourably placed, but lost by the slender margin of one run. Hogan took 2/1 in the 18th over, and with 15 needed from his last six balls, Darren Stevens struck a six from the third ball, but was out to the next. Three were then required from the last ball, but the frugal Hogan conceded only a single, enabling his team to win their first T20 game against Kent.
When Joe Denly and Sam Billings both scored undefeated centuries and added 149 in only 12.5 overs in the Royal London One Day Cup game, Glamorgan were set a stiff ammended target of 293 from 43 overs. Billings had scored his century from only 53 balls, and again Kent would have been favourites to win but failed.
The visitors were given a solid start from their top order, but still needed 110 to win from the final 13 overs. Collin Ingram then took over with some fierce hitting to all parts of the ground and his innings of 95 from 53 balls included six sixes and four fours, which enabled Glamorgan to win with seven ball to spare.
Kent would have been the happiest of the two teams at the half way stage, but for the third successive one day game between the two sides, Kent were thwarted in the closing stages.
After Glamorgan won another exciting match by the more comfortable margin of 55 runs (D/L) on Friday, the counties lock horns this week in four-day cricket. Their Specsavers County Championship match is currently held up by rain, with Glamorgan 93/2 after being put into bat.