Warwickshire triumphed over Essex by seven wickets in a thrilling Metro Bank One-Day Cup match, thanks to a record-breaking performance by Ed Barnard. Barnard, the team's captain, scored his highest List A total of 173 not out, leading Warwickshire to chase down a target of 325 set by Essex at the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford.
Barnard, who had previously scored a personal-best 165 at the same venue earlier this summer, was instrumental in Warwickshire's successful chase. He received solid support from teammates Rob Yates, Will Rhodes, and Michael Burgess. The team reached their target with 14 balls to spare, marking their highest successful run chase in List A cricket.
Essex, batting first, posted a total of 324 for 7, with Nick Browne contributing a notable 75 runs. Browne's innings included seven fours, as he formed key partnerships with Feroze Khushi, Robin Das, and Charlie Allison. Allison added a spirited 69, and Luc Benkenstein chipped in with a quick fire 44. Olly Hannon-Dalby stood out for Warwickshire with a late burst of three wickets, ending with figures of 3 for 69.
Chasing a required run rate of six and a half per over, Warwickshire got off to a strong start. Yates and Barnard put up a quick partnership before Yates was dismissed for 42. Barnard then accelerated, reaching his fifty in 39 balls and his hundred in 89 balls. He continued to dominate, eventually scoring 173 not out, hitting four sixes and several boundaries. Will Rhodes supported him with 41 runs before being caught out, and Michael Burgess contributed an unbeaten 59 from just 42 balls, sealing the victory with powerful hitting.
Earlier in the game, Khushi had set the pace for Essex, reaching 50 with a series of aggressive shots, but fell soon after to Barnard. Browne's patient innings provided stability, and the younger players, including Allison and Benkenstein, added valuable runs towards the end.
Warwickshire's victory was marked by Barnard's exceptional batting and crucial contributions from the rest of the team, highlighting a well-rounded performance in both batting and bowling.