Vitality Blast, England all-rounder Sam Curran shines for Surrey: Watch
Surrey secured their place in the 2024 Vitality Blast finals day, following a five-wicket triumph over Durham at The Kia Oval. This victory was largely due to a 95-run partnership between Dom Sibley and Sam Curran. The duo's impressive show helped Surrey chase down the target of 163 with 12 balls remaining, making them the first team to advance to the finals day. Both players smashed respective fifties for Surrey. Here's more.
Sibley and Curran's stellar performance
Sibley delivered a standout performance, scoring 67 runs off 48 balls which included six boundaries and two sixes. His innings was eventually ended by Durham's left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson. Curran also contributed significantly to Surrey's victory with his 52-run knock that featured two boundaries and four sixes. He consumed 34 balls, striking at 152.94.
Curran slams his 21st T20 fifty
As per ESPNcricinfo, playing his 248th T20, Curran has raced to 3,600 runs at 22.50. He smashed his 21st T20 fifty (100s: 1). Curran now owns 177 sixes in T20s. With the ball, Curran claimed 1/24 from four overs. He owns 245 T20 wickets.
Curran shines for Surrey: Watch
Durham's innings and Surrey's early dominance
Durham, who were put into bat first, managed to post a total of 162/8. This was largely due to Michael Jones' 37 and Bas de Leede's 24. Ben Raine also contributed with a quickfire 23 off just eight deliveries. However, Surrey dominated the early stages of the match with Dan Worrall and Reece Topley each taking two wickets, setting back Durham's top order significantly.
Durham's fightback and Surrey's response
Despite being reduced to 69/6 in the 13th over, Durham staged a comeback with Jones and De Leede sharing a 50-run stand in just 30 balls. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent Surrey from reaching their target. In response to Durham's total, Surrey initially struggled at 53/3 but Sibley and Curran's partnership turned the game around for the hosts.
Surrey's journey to the Vitality Blast finals day
The Vitality Blast final's day is set to take place at Edgbaston on September 14, Saturday. This marks a significant milestone for Surrey as they aim to secure their first T20 title since 2003. Their journey to this stage has been marked by strong performances from key players like Sibley and Curran, who have played pivotal roles in their team's success.
