Cricket

Essex emerged victorious in a one-sided Metro Bank One Day Cup encounter at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, defeating Gloucestershire by 63 runs. Shane Snater's incisive bowling played a pivotal role in Essex's triumph.Chasing a target of 263, Gloucestershire's top order crumbled under Snater's devastating new-ball burst. The seamer claimed three wickets in 13 deliveries, reducing the hosts to 28 for 3. Five top or middle-order batsmen fell in single figures, with Snater finishing with figures of 3 for 39 and Jamal Richards contributing 2 for 33.Ajeet Singh Dale provided a glimmer of hope for Gloucestershire with a defiant 25-ball half-century, but his efforts were in vain as the home side was dismissed for 199 in 36.2 overs. Tom Smith also contributed 29 not out, but their late resistance came too late to salvage the match.Earlier, Essex had posted a competitive 262 for 8, thanks to half-centuries from Luc Benkenstein and Robin Das. The duo shared an 88-run partnership to rescue Essex from a precarious 86 for 4. Das scored 52 from 71 deliveries, while Benkenstein raised a career-best 67 from 62 balls.Gloucestershire seamer Dominic Goodman impressed with figures of 4 for 43, his best in List-A cricket. Singh Dale also claimed 2 for 50, while Smith took 2 for 51.Essex's victory was their first in the 50-over competition, while Gloucestershire suffered their second defeat in four days. The hosts now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages, while Essex will look to build on their momentum in upcoming matches against Leicestershire and Glamorgan.

England's Under-19 team emerged victorious in the decisive third match of their one-day series against Sri Lanka, securing a four-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Skipper Luc Benkenstein's masterful century and a disciplined bowling performance proved pivotal in their triumph.Despite a dropped catch in the early stages, England's openers failed to capitalize, with Freddie McCann falling cheaply. However, Benkenstein and Charlie Allison formed a formidable partnership, amassing 184 runs in 29 overs. Benkenstein's aggressive batting, including seven fours and five sixes, propelled him to a century in just 98 deliveries. Allison also contributed a valuable 87 runs.Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back in the closing overs, restricting England to 268 for 9 in their allotted 45 overs. Vihas Thewmika emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 33 runs.In response, Sri Lanka's chase was led by Gayana Weerasinghe's polished 80 and Mahith Perera's half-century. However, England's seamers chipped away at the Sri Lankan batting lineup, with Harry Moore, McCann, and Alex Green claiming crucial wickets.Weerasinghe and Perera kept Sri Lanka's hopes alive with a 64-run partnership, but England's bowlers struck at crucial moments. Weerasinghe was caught by Benkenstein, while Perera was brilliantly run out by McCann's direct hit.Despite Diniru Abeywickramasingha's late resistance, Sri Lanka fell short of their target, handing England the series victory.

Essex emerged victorious in a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter against Glamorgan, securing a two-wicket triumph thanks to the composure of 19-year-old Luc Benkenstein.Chasing a modest target of 166, Essex found themselves in a precarious position at 107 for 8, with Mason Crane's mesmerizing leg-spin claiming four wickets for just 25 runs. However, Benkenstein, the son of Lancashire head coach Dale, displayed remarkable maturity, guiding his team to victory with an unbeaten 35 off 21 deliveries.Earlier, Glamorgan had posted a competitive total, led by Colin Ingram's 52 off 28 balls. The South African opener, who has a history of tormenting Essex, helped his side recover from a shaky start. Kiran Carlson and Marnus Labuschagne also contributed valuable runs, but it was Ingram's explosive knock that propelled Glamorgan to a defendable score.Essex's chase began with a wicket maiden from Daniel Sams, who dismissed Eddie Byrom with a ramp shot. Sam Northeast's dismissal left Essex reeling at 31 for 2, but Adam Rossington and Dean Elgar steadied the innings with a 43-run partnership.Michael Pepper, fresh from his century against Middlesex, unleashed his power-hitting, smashing Timm van der Gugten for 23 runs in an over. However, Crane and Labuschagne's leg-spin wizardry turned the tide, claiming six wickets in quick succession.With Essex on the brink of collapse, Benkenstein stepped up, playing with composure and intelligence. He avoided unnecessary risks and partnered with Shane Snater (20) to chase down the target with eight balls to spare.