The long-awaited Gloucestershire vs Kent showdown finally ended in celebration for the defending champions. After five wasted efforts, the Bears roared to life on June 18, 2025, at Canterbury’s St Lawrence Ground—chasing 158 with style and swagger. The mainstays? Jack Taylor and Ajeet Singh Dale.
🎯 Taylor and Price: Pinpoint Batting Performance
Jack Taylor stamped his mark with an unbeaten 54 off 36 balls, slicing boundaries and cruising past Kent’s bowlers—capped by Ollie Price’s 41* that weathered a no-ball dismissal and a dropped catch. Together, they bulldozed a 98‑run unbroken stand, sealing a comfortable seven‑wicket win with ten balls to spare .
🎳 Ajeet Singh Dale and Payne: Bowling Brilliance
Glovers’ bowlers set the stage. Ajeet Singh Dale sparked the collapse with 3 for 24, including key wickets of Finch and Short . David Payne strangled the run rate—just 18 in four overs and a wicket—completing a clinical 157/9 defense.
🌞 Sun Stops Play: A Strange Twist
Mid-innings, the game paused—not for rain, but because of the blinding evening sun hitting batters from the Nackington Road End. After an 11-minute interruption, Kent struck early, but Gloucestershire recovered and never looked back.
✅ Why This Match Matters
- First win of 2025 for Gloucestershire—after five straight losses
- Dale’s breakthrough form highlights his rising status—plus, he’s a solid first-class performer aged 24
- The unusual sun stoppage added drama—proof no two T20 games are alike.
📊 Match Snapshot
| Team | Score | Key Contributor |
|---|---|---|
| Kent Spitfires | 157‑9 | Finch (42), Billings (38) |
| Gloucestershire | 160‑3 (18.2) | Taylor 54*, Price 41* |
| Top Bowler | A. Dale 3‑24, Payne 1‑18 |
🏏 FAQ – People Also Ask
Jack Taylor led with an unbeaten 54*, supported by Ollie Price’s 41*.
Ajeet Singh Dale with 3/24, while David Payne chipped in economically with 1/18.
The setting sun blinded the batters, forcing a rare stoppage for player safety
June 18, 2025—their sixth game in the tournament earned them a victory.
He’s proving his value, building on strong first-class credentials to enhance the T20 side .
The turning point was arguably the 11-minute sun-induced break. Though it led to three quick wickets for Kent, Gloucestershire regained control through Taylor and Price’s calm partnership.
✅ Final Take: Champions Redeemed!
The Gloucestershire vs Kent clash was more than a 7‑wicket win—it was a statement. With stellar all‑round performances and an end to their losing streak, the defending champions have rekindled their Blast campaign. Jack Taylor and Dale led the charge brilliantly—and the sun once threatened to steal the show.
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