Northamptonshire booked their place in the Vitality Blast semi-finals with a narrow seven-run victory over Surrey in a tense quarter-final clash at The Oval.
Match Analysis
Put in to bat, the Steelbacks were in immediate trouble as Ricardo Vasconcelos and captain David Willey both departed without scoring. The setback was quickly forgotten thanks to a superb innings from veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who produced one of the knocks of the tournament.
His unbeaten 105 from just 46 balls, featuring 12 fours and five sixes, powered Northamptonshire to 154 for 4 from their 14 overs. Tim Robinson chipped in with 20 and Saif Zaib added a useful 18 not out, while Jordan Clark led the Surrey attack with 3 for 13.
In response, Surrey made a poor start as Will Jacks and Jason Roy fell cheaply to leave the chase in disarray. Sam Curran and Ollie Pope mounted a spirited recovery, adding valuable runs in the middle overs. Curran struck a belligerent 69 from 38 deliveries, supported by Pope’s 41 off 23, but the loss of regular wickets stalled their momentum. George Scrimshaw (3 for 34) and Ben Sanderson (2 for 24) struck at key moments to keep the required rate beyond reach.
Surrey closed on 147 for 6, agonisingly short of their target. Bopara’s brilliance ultimately proved the difference as Northamptonshire advanced to Finals Day, while Surrey were left to rue a sluggish start and missed opportunities in the closing stages.
Match Summary
Surrey vs Northamptonshire, 1st Quarter Final
Surrey 147/6 (14 ov)
Northamptonshire 154/4 (14 ov)
Northamptonshire won by 7 runs
SCORECARD
Partnership
Match Stats
Northamptonshire Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Ricardo Vasconcelos – 0.1 ov), 2-1 (David Willey – 0.6 ov), 3-33 (Tim Robinson – 4.1 ov), 4-80 (Justin Broad – 8.1 ov)
Surrey Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Ryan Patel – 0.3 ov), 2-9 (Jason Roy – 1.5 ov), 3-83 (Ollie Pope – 8.2 ov), 4-85 (Dan Lawrence – 8.4 ov), 5-119 (Laurie Evans – 10.3 ov), 6-123 (Tom Curran – 11.2 ov)
Wagon Wheel
Playing XI
Surrey
Northamptonshire
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 18:30
Venue: Kennington Oval, London
Toss: Surrey elected to bowl
Umpires: Ian Blackwell (England) Rob White (England) Nigel Llong (England TV)
Match Referee: Peter Such (England)
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