3 Reasons Why GLO Lost to SUS in the South Group Match of Vitality Blast 2025

Cheltenham was alive, the sun was high in the sky, and the hopes were even higher as Gloucestershire walked out full of purpose. Quick singles, crisp boundaries, and a steady start—Short and Bancroft were nailing every aspect of their partnership. At 152/2 in the 17th over, the hosts were looking set to launch into something explosive. What came next was the kind of catastrophic nosedive that sees coaches breaking out the stress balls, and fans madly updating memes. Gloucestershire left with a competitive total of 185/5 – but in the T20 era, even fireworks need a conclusion. Sussex were chasing 186, took it to the wire – and then snatched it away at the death.

Death Bowling Let Gloucestershire Down—Hard

First of all, the Gloucestershire bowling attack seemed to be running on empty, particularly at the death. Josh Shaw bowled brilliantly and got 2 for 25, but his partners all went wide open. Ajeet Singh Dale went for 52 in his four overs – the most expensive figures of the evening – and David Payne was pretty off-colour with none for 40. When your frontline bowlers are consistently going for boundaries, it is hard to defend even a clinical total. Coles and Alsop capitalised brutally by taking anything on the length or the width, like kids in a sweet shop. The Gloucs bowlers did not respond to a new tempo; they fed it.

Coles and Alsop—The Game-Wrecking Duo

If there was one man who flicked the match on its head, it was James Coles. Sussex was wobbling at 57/3 with Gloucestershire sensing blood, but Coles had plans of his own. His 62 off 40 was not just a surface-level counter punch; it was a declaration of takeover. Coles switched the pressure on with ruthless boundaries and kept the run rate controlled, particularly alongside Alsop in that partnership, whose 55 off 33 was just as key. The game turned on its head the moment their partnership crossed the century mark. Just as Gloucestershire was surely imagining putting Sussex in a state of panic, Coles’ bat became a wand. By the time Coles had left in the 18th over, the damage was done.

A Power Finish That Gloucestershire Couldn’t Match

Let’s not forget about the ultimate sucker punch – Danny Lamb’s cameo. Gloucestershire had managed to claw their way back after Coles and Alsop went with a tidy 19th over, offering some semblance of hope. Then Lamb came out like he had a taxi waiting. Three boundaries in five balls, a triplet of cold-blooded 16 from 5, and Sussex snaffled an audacious victory from the very last ball of the match. That’s the sort of finish that no longer matches up with what you’ve watched for 39 overs; it’s literally like you’ve been watching a different match.

Fielding and finishing also hurt Gloucestershire. Jack Taylor’s one-ball duck took the sails out of a potential score of 200+. When you are 152/2 after 17, ending with 185/5 is like a betrayal. The subpar fielding doesn’t particularly help – no obvious dropped chances, no remarkable saves either – it was a team that looked like it was waiting for something to happen, not making something happen.

At the end of the day, Gloucestershire played for most of the game like they deserved to win – but T20 cricket is not for ‘most.’ Sussex were brilliant when it mattered in the back end of the innings, with Gloucs knowing that in tight contests, finishing well is the only common currency.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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