Super Surrey through to Twenty20 Finals

Published 24 July 2006

A record fourth wicket Twenty20 partnership between Mark Ramprakash and Rikki Clarke followed by a four wicket haul from Nayan Doshi, shattered any of Gloucestershire’s hopes as Surrey romped home with an 80 run victory.

Even with the early loss of Ali Brown, who had smashed a four and six before he was caught at slip off Ian Harvey, Surrey got off to a flying start . He was replaced by a rampant Ramprakash, who smashed what was only his second ball back over Harvey’s head for six.

The introduction of Ramprakash sparked James Benning into life as the pair proceeded to blaze the ball to all areas, brining the 50 up inside five overs. However two bowling changes brought about two quick wickets as Benning and Butcher went in successive overs.

Mark Ramprakash
Ramprakash hits another six in his innings of 85

Clarke came to the wicket with Surrey on 80. He and Ramprakash continued on from where they had left off against Somerset at Guildford. Both players raced to their half centuries. Clarke, although being dropped twice, once again showed his talent and class by reaching his 50 in only 26 deliveries. However, not to be outmatched, Ramprakash quickly followed by crashing another boundary through extra cover.

The two did not let up, in fact they appeared to increase the tempo. It took a brilliant catch at extra cover from Gidman from another Ramprakash trailblazer, to end what was a record fourth wicket partnership in Twenty20 cricket for Surrey. The pair put on 139 before Ramprakash was dismissed for 85 from only 50 balls. Clarke ended the mayhem fittingly by clipping the last ball of the innings through deep-backward square leg for four. He ended on 79 not out from only 42 deliveries, guiding his side to a Surrey record Twenty20 total of 224 for five.

With Surrey having only conceded 200 on one occasion prior to this match, the Gladiators would have it all to do to even get close to the mammouth first innings total. Surrey got off to a great start, with only one run coming from Azhar Mahmood’s first over. In his following over, he made a great comeback after being hit for six by having Spearmen caught by Benning for 13.

Nayan Doshi
Doshi picked up his third four wicket haul in Twenty20 this season

Two quick wickets followed with Mark Hardinges brilliantly run out by Stewart Walters, who was on the field for Ramprakash. Harvey was then bowled by Kumble for 23 attempting to play a late cut through backward point. The Gladiators’ woes continued as their other overseas player Hamish Marshall was run out from a brilliant bit of cricket from the Surrey wicket keeper Jonathan Batty, who threw down the stumps at the bowlers end.

Walters was then back in the action, as he took a brilliant diving catch in the deep off Doshi to remove Christopher Taylor for 10. At 81 for five, Gloucestershire’s hopes lay squarely with their all rounder David Brown. On Surrey’s previous visit to Bristol in the C&G trophy, Brown had smashed a spectacular 63 from only 26 balls. He threatened to do the same, however he became Doshi’s second wicket as he was stumped for 15 the ball after hitting an enormous six.

Doshi had time to pick up another two wickets to complete his third four wicket haul of the Twenty20 season, whilst Gloucestershire capitulated to 144 all out.

As a result of this superb victory, Surrey have now qualified to the semi-final and finals day at Trent Bridge on August 12.

Ticket Information - Twenty20 Cup Finals Day:

Surrey CCC Members

Surrey Members can purchase a maximum of 6 tickets from the Brit Oval by phone or in person from Tuesday 25 July until 2.00pm Thursday 3 August. Opening hours are 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Tickets prices range from £25.00 to £45.00

Phone number 08712 461100 (10p per minute)

Please Note: Tickets from Trent Bridge will not be received until Wednesday 26 July.