Saskia Horley scores century as Middlesex win One Day Cup
Middlesex secured the One Day Cup after Saskia Horley hit 117, guiding the team to a 279‑run target. Glamorgan struggled with fielding errors and wickets fell early, leaving them unable to chase.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Middlesex lifted the One Day Cup trophy after a dominant performance that saw captain Saskia Horley score a century and the side set a challenging 279‑run target against Glamorgan. The final, played at the County Ground, saw Middlesex’s bowlers and fielders combine for a decisive victory.
Opening Momentum and Early Wickets
The match opened with Middlesex’s top order in fine form. Opener Artemis Downer, who had already impressed earlier in the season with an unbeaten 60 against Glamorgan, started the innings with a couple of boundaries. However, her run was cut short when she was caught at point off the bowling of Anna‑Mae Shearn. The wicket was a reminder that Glamorgan’s fielding had been shaky from the outset.
Izzy Routledge and Sproul steadied the innings with a fluent 60‑run partnership. Their calm batting allowed Middlesex to maintain a healthy run‑rate. Routledge’s contribution ended when she was caught at mid‑off from a delivery by Nicole Reid, while Sproul was dismissed by Poppy Walker after a solid 43‑run knock.
Horley and Trussler’s Dominant Partnership
Following the early wickets, the middle order found form. Saskia Horley and Trussler built a 131‑run partnership that saw Middlesex push the score to 200‑4. The partnership was built on a mixture of aggressive strokes and careful shot‑selection, with Horley eventually reaching a century. Trussler, however, was stumped by Abbey Freeborn off the bowling of Eve Jackson, bringing the partnership to a close.
Horley’s innings, which ended on 117, was a masterclass in pacing and shot‑selection. Her 117 runs helped Middlesex set a formidable 279‑run target for Glamorgan. The innings was also notable for the way it exposed Glamorgan’s fielding frailties, with several dropped catches and a missed stumping that cost the hosts dearly.
Glamorgan’s Struggles and Early Collapse
Glamorgan’s innings began with a shock when captain Lauren Parfitt was bowled by Siya Nanavati for just eight runs in the fifth over. The wicket was a sign of the bowlers’ intensity and the batting side’s lack of rhythm.
The situation worsened when Daisy Jeanes, who had been a threat earlier in the season, was caught at mid‑wicket off Issy Routledge. Glamorgan’s wickets continued to tumble, and they found themselves 72‑4 after Horley had taken the wickets of Bethan Ellis and Megan Sturge.
A glimmer of hope emerged when free‑batting Abbey Freeborn and Gammon added 72 runs together. However, the partnership ended when Freeborn was bowled by Anaya Patel for 43, and the momentum swung back to Middlesex.
Closing the Match and Final Moments
Glamorgan’s League Two T20 Blast victory earlier in the season had raised expectations, but the One Day Cup final proved a different story. Hannah Davis, the Glamorgan all‑rounder, took two quick wickets, including the key dismissal of Gammon, who was caught in the deep for 58. The wickets were decisive, and Glamorgan’s chances of a double triumph evaporated.
In the final overs, Horley’s influence was felt again when she had Gemma Porter caught by Trussler, sealing the win for Middlesex. The final scoreline reflected Middlesex’s dominance, with Glamorgan unable to chase the 279‑run target.
With the victory, Middlesex added another trophy to their cabinet, while Glamorgan’s campaign ended on a disappointing note in the One Day Cup.
Key facts
- Saskia Horley scored 117 to set a 279 target
- Middlesex’s fielding and bowling were decisive
- Glamorgan’s early wickets and fielding errors cost them
- Hannah Davis’s wickets halted the chase
- Horley and Trussler’s 131‑run partnership was match‑deciding
Why it matters
The match highlighted Middlesex’s depth in both batting and bowling, while exposing Glamorgan’s vulnerabilities in fielding and early wickets, underscoring the importance of consistency in knockout cricket.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score?
Middlesex 279/5, Glamorgan 72/4.
Who was the Man of the Match?
Saskia Horley for her century and bowling contributions.
Where was the match played?
County Ground.
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk — originally reported as “Saskia Horley hits century as Middlesex beat Glamorgan in One Day Cup final”
