Bancroft's Blast Powers Gloucestershire to Crucial Victory

Cameron Bancroft's scintillating 87 propelled Gloucestershire to a crucial 10-run victory over Middlesex in the Vitality Blast, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.

Bancroft, the Australian opener, unleashed a barrage of 10 fours and three sixes in his 54-ball knock, forming a formidable opening partnership of 65 with Miles Hammond (30). Their aggressive approach laid the foundation for Gloucestershire's competitive total of 179 for eight at Chelmsford.

Middlesex's chase got off to a promising start as Martin Andersson (49) and captain Leus du Plooy (73*) put on a record-breaking 102-run stand for the first wicket against Gloucestershire in T20 cricket. However, the visitors' bowling attack, led by Matt Taylor (2-17), struck back with a flurry of wickets.

Du Plooy remained defiant, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 73 from 52 deliveries. But the loss of six wickets for 39 runs proved costly, as Middlesex fell short on 169 for seven.

Gloucestershire's victory lifted them to joint fourth in the South Group table, but their qualification for the quarter-finals hinges on Essex's result against Hampshire on Friday.

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