Jason Roy’s 69 runs and tight bowling from Curran and Jordan helped Surrey edge Glamorgan in Cardiff.

Jason Roy’s unbeaten fight with the bat proved decisive as Surrey edged out Glamorgan by seven runs in a thrilling Vitality Blast clash at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Roy’s 69 off 47 balls, laced with four towering sixes, was the backbone of Surrey’s total of 149-8, which proved just enough to fend off the home side’s chase.

Surrey’s innings, modest on paper, was anchored by Roy’s aggressive strokeplay. Despite limited support, Roy carried the fight through, crafting a crucial innings that kept Surrey in the contest. His ability to clear the boundary, including a spectacular six that soared over long-on and into the River Taff, energised his team.

The visitors’ bowling attack rose to the occasion in the chase. Sam Curran, celebrating his 27th birthday, marked the day with a brilliant 3-18, while Chris Jordan chipped in with 3-31 and Nathan Smith took 2-21. The bowling unit executed their plans perfectly, exploiting Glamorgan’s wide boundaries to force errors and take vital wickets.

Glamorgan started promisingly with Kiran Carlson hitting 31 and Will Smale adding 26, combining for a 58-run opening partnership that threatened to set a solid platform. However, Surrey’s bowlers tightened the screws, curbing the run rate and inducing mistakes from the hosts.

The game-changing moment came during Glamorgan’s second half of the innings, as wickets fell in regular succession. Douthwaite led Glamorgan’s bowling with a tidy 3-23, but it was Surrey’s fielding that truly disrupted the chase. Andy Gorvin was instrumental, not only taking two wickets but also grabbing two catches and contributing a runout. The wide boundaries at Sophia Gardens provided plenty of catching opportunities, and Surrey capitalised fully.

Surrey’s top order faltered early, with Ollie Pope falling cheaply to Douthwaite, and Dom Sibley, who had shown glimpses of promise after a slow start, was caught in the deep off Gorvin. This left the team reliant on Roy’s brilliance to post a defendable total.

Despite Roy’s dismissal in the 18th over, caught on the ropes off Timm van der Gugten, Surrey’s bowlers and fielders rallied superbly to keep Glamorgan below par. The hosts were pegged back repeatedly, unable to build any sustained momentum.

At 75-2 halfway through the innings, Glamorgan looked well poised, but the pressure mounted as Smith’s economical bowling strangled the scoring. Smale and Ingram, who scored 10, were dismissed in quick succession, further denting Glamorgan’s hopes.

Jordan’s tight spells and sharp fielding, including a crucial catch to dismiss Douthwaite, played a vital role in swinging the match Surrey’s way. The final wicket fell off the last ball of Glamorgan’s innings, sealing a tense seven-run win for Surrey.

Roy’s contribution was his second significant knock this season, following a 92 against Somerset, highlighting his return to form in T20 cricket. His ability to score quickly and clear boundaries under pressure was pivotal in setting a target that Surrey’s bowlers could defend.

The victory provides Surrey with a strong start to their Vitality Blast campaign, showcasing a blend of experienced batting and disciplined bowling. For Glamorgan, it was a missed opportunity on home soil, but plenty of positives remain, particularly from their opening partnership.

Surrey now look ahead with confidence as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, hoping Roy can continue to provide the firepower at the top of the order.