Wales caused an upset by defeating T20 Blast champions Gloucestershire twice in T20 friendlies on Monday (June 3).
Wales are one of 20 sides in the National Counties structure, formerly known as the Minor Counties. Several of the National Counties are playing showcase games against the first-class counties across the season in both white-ball formats. Notable results this season include Leicestershire Foxes racking up 300 before skittling Staffordshire for 50, and Wiltshire losing to Glamorgan in a super over, but until now, no National County had managed to claim victory.
On Monday, playing Gloucestershire, the winners of the 2024 T20 Blast, in a friendly at Usk Cricket Club, Wales, claimed a notable scalp. Gloucestershire, led by Tommy Boorman, batted first and scored 154-7 in the first innings. Except Graeme van Buuren, who made 88 in 57 with four sixes, none of the other batters in the side crossed 20, as they ended with a below-par score.
In reply, Wales, with Billy Root, the brother of England's leading Test and ODI run-scorer Joe, in the XI, got off to a fiery start, making 44 in five overs. They were well-placed to chase the target at 102-2 in 13 overs, but collapsed to 145-7 in 18.2 overs.
They needed ten runs in the last ten balls with three wickets in hand, and were in a bit of trouble when Alex Russell was dismissed, with three to get in the last four balls. Tom Norton (9* in 9) got the job done, as Wales won a memorable game. Root made 3 in 5.
Wales completed the double against the side later in the day, winning by a massive margin of 62 runs. Batting first, they posted 201-5, with Billy making an unbeaten 79 off 46 balls. Wales were 22-3 when a 104-run stand between Billy and skipper Henry Hurle brought the team back in the game. Rhodri Lewis, batting at No.6, contributed with a 19-ball 42 as they crossed 200, which proved to be enough in the end.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
