County cricket fans witnessed an epic game between Glamorgan and Gloucestershire earlier today (Wednesday, July 3). The Division 2 match ended in a tie after Glamorgan got all out for 592 in a run-chase of 593 runs.
It was an incredible game, where Gloucestershire were bowled out for 179 runs in the first innings, and then Glamorgan scored 197 in their first innings. After that, wicketkeeper James Bracey's double century helped Gloucestershire post 610/5 dec on the board in the second innings.
Chasing 593 for a win at the College Ground in Cheltenham, Glamorgan crossed the 500-run mark, thanks to tons from captain Sam Northeast and overseas star Marnus Labuschagne. However, Gloucestershire made a comeback and reduced them to 561/9.
Mason Crane then scored 43 at number 10 and took the game down to the wire. With one run needed off the last ball of the game, number 11 batter Jamie McIlroy ended up handing a catch to wicketkeeper Bracey off Ajeet Singh Dale's bowling. You can watch the video of the final ball here:
Since Glamorgan had reached 592, the match ended in a tie. Both teams earned 11 points each in the County Championship Division 2 tournament because of the result at the College Ground.
Mason Crane played 4 dot balls in the final over before giving strike to Jamie McIlroy on the last ball of county match
Glamorgan needed only two runs off the last over to win the county match. The well-set Mason Crane was on strike, which is why fans felt that he could pull off an improbable win for his side.
However, much to everyone's surprise, Ajeet Singh Dale bowled four consecutive dot balls to Mason, bringing the equation down to two off two. Mason then took a single, bringing number 11 Jamie on strike for the last ball. Ajeet executed his plans well and got the wicket on the last ball to deny a win to their opponents.
