In a thrilling contest at Rugby School, Warwickshire emerged victorious over a heavily-depleted Surrey side by a narrow three-run margin, maintaining their perfect record in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for the 2,500 spectators in attendance, as Chris Benjamin and Michael Burgess played pivotal roles in setting up the win for Warwickshire.
Benjamin’s aggressive innings of 75 and Burgess’ stylish 60 entertained the crowd and propelled Warwickshire to a challenging total of 311 for 9. Despite missing several key players due to England and Hundred commitments, Surrey put up a valiant fight with Dom Sibley leading the charge with a magnificent 149, which included 12 fours and four sixes. However, his efforts were not enough as Ben Geddes’ 62 was the only other substantial contribution for Surrey, who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat while Warwickshire clinched their fourth straight victory.
The match began with Surrey opting to bowl first and making early breakthroughs, dismissing Ed Barnard in the fourth over. Rob Yates and Will Rhodes tried to stabilize the innings with contributions of 40 and 44 respectively, but both fell before converting their starts into big scores. Yates was out pulling a long-hop from Geddes to deep square leg, while Rhodes was bowled by Steel off-stump.
The partnership between Benjamin and Burgess turned the tide in Warwickshire’s favor, as they added 117 runs in quick time. Benjamin, who has had a tough season so far, rediscovered his form and blazed his way to a brisk half-century before eventually falling to McKerr. Burgess, on the other hand, played a composed innings to reach his eighth List A fifty before being dismissed by Steel.
A late cameo from Kai Smith helped Warwickshire breach the 300-run mark before they were bowled out for 311. In response, Surrey got off to a strong start thanks to openers Sibley and Ryan Patel, but Patel’s dismissal brought about a mini-collapse as Geddes’ exit triggered a flurry of wickets. Burns, Foakes, and Steel all departed in quick succession, leaving Sibley fighting a lone battle.
Despite Sibley’s heroics, Surrey fell agonizingly short of the target, finishing on 308 for 9 and handing Warwickshire a thrilling victory by three runs. The match was a testament to the fighting spirit of both teams, but in the end, it was the duo of Benjamin and Burgess who shone brightest, propelling Warwickshire to yet another triumph in the competition.
