Youthful Heroics Secure Essex Victory in Tight Affair
Essex 168 for 8 (Rossington 48, Benkenstein 35*, Crane 4-25) beat Glamorgan 165 for 8 (Ingram 52, Sams 3-28, Walter 3-33) by two wickets
A composed innings from 19-year-old Luc Benkenstein guided Essex to a nervy two-wicket victory over Glamorgan in a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter.
Chasing 166 for victory, Essex found themselves in trouble at 107 for 8 following a devastating spell of leg-spin bowling from Mason Crane, who claimed figures of 4 for 25. However, Benkenstein and Shane Snater combined for a match-winning 45-run partnership to steer the hosts over the line with eight balls to spare.
Glamorgan had earlier posted 165 for 8 from their 20 overs, with Colin Ingram top-scoring with a 28-ball 52. The visitors made a steady start before the spin duo of Simon Harmer and Marnus Labuschagne put the brakes on the innings. But Ingram’s fluent innings gave Glamorgan a competitive total to defend.
In the run chase, Adam Rossington got Essex off to a decent start, scoring 48 before being dismissed by Labuschagne. However, Crane and Labuschagne then triggered a dramatic collapse, reducing Essex to 107 for 8.
“But the young Benkenstein rose to the occasion, playing a measured innings to guide his side over the finish line.”
His unbeaten 35 from 21 balls, coupled with Snater’s 20, proved the difference as Essex secured a tight victory in the end.
The win will be a huge boost for Essex, who managed to overcome a significant setback to clinch the two-wicket triumph. Benkenstein’s mature display, coupled with the team’s fighting spirit, will be encouraging signs for the club going forward in the 100-ball cricket live competition.
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