Cameron Bancroft's Century Leads Gloucestershire to Victory

Gloucestershire secured their first win in the One-Day Cup by defeating Surrey, who remained winless, at The Oval. Both teams had entered the Group B match with two losses, but Gloucestershire emerged victorious, thanks largely to a century from Cameron Bancroft.

Bancroft's innings helped Gloucestershire post a total of 301, which they defended successfully, bowling Surrey out for 264 to clinch a 37-run victory. Ryan Patel scored 87 for Surrey, and wicketkeeper Josh Blake notched his first fifty for the county, putting together an 85-run partnership with Conor McKerr for the seventh wicket. However, Matt Taylor's four wickets, including key dismissals of Dom Sibley and Ben Geddes, proved decisive.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Surrey might have second-guessed their choice as Bancroft and Miles Hammond (51) added 79 runs for the first wicket, followed by a 74-run partnership with Ollie Price (32). Gloucestershire reached 153-1 by the 28th over, setting the stage for a potentially higher total. However, McKerr (4-32) and leg-spinner Cameron Steel (4-61) combined to take eight wickets, including the crucial wicket of Bancroft, who was dismissed for exactly 100. Despite a spirited 44 from captain Jack Taylor, Gloucestershire were all out for 301 with 11 balls remaining.

This century marked Bancroft's first List A hundred for Gloucestershire and the fifth of his career, having previously scored two for Durham and two for Western Australia. His knock was pivotal in securing the win.

Both teams will return to action on Friday, with Gloucestershire facing Yorkshire at Clifton Park in York, and Surrey playing against Group B leaders Warwickshire at Rugby School.