Carlson, Douthwaite seal convincing win but Glamorgan fall short

Glamorgan finished their Vitality Blast campaign in bitter-sweet fashion, completing a 52-run win over Middlesex but failing to qualify for the knockout stages at the final hurdle.

Kiran Carlson led from the front for Glamorgan with a rapid 19-ball 49 sending his side to a 77-run powerplay before finishing on 184 for 9 with support from Welsh Fire's Hundred wildcard recruit, Ben Kellaway scoring 40.

Noah Cornwell took three wickets in four balls for the visitors to claw back their chances with Kane Williamson striking a stylish 63 in vain for Middlesex before Dan Douthwaite finished off the Middlesex tail for 132 with figures of 4 for 22.

Despite the comprehensive victory, results elsewhere left Glamorgan short of qualification while Middlesex finished the campaign in a disappointing eighth with just three wins.

Carlson won the toss and elected to bat on the second use of a double-header pitch at Sophia Gardens. With Middlesex unable to qualify, eyes turned to Glamorgan, who needed losses from both Kent and Sussex to sneak through.

Pressure on the home side was not obvious, Carlson striking a straight six off the back foot against Zafar Gohar in the first over, followed by a nonchalant flick off the pads against Cornwell in the next to set him on his way.

Glamorgan's powerplay score of 77 without loss put Middlesex behind the eight ball, with 18-year-old James Feldman conceding 19 from his first over in professional cricket.

Luke Hollman contained, with just 11 coming from the legspinner's first three overs, while Glamorgan lost two wickets for nine runs, both set openers perishing as they sized up a 200-plus total. Feldman claimed Carlson as his first professional wicket, while Will Smale fell to Gohar.

Kellaway refreshed Glamorgan with reverse-sweeps and destructive drives. He and Douthwaite added 44 in quick time to lift Glamorgan from 126 for 5. Feldman broke through again, before Cornwall picked up three wickets in the 19th over.

If Glamorgan's powerplay was significant for setting a tone, Middlesex's was also - albeit for the wrong reasons. Seven balls into proceedings they were 2 for 2, a mix-up leaving Stevie Eskinazi well short of his ground before Timm van der Gugten found Max Holden's edge.

Williamson was typically classy, leading Middlesex's recovery despite movement under lights and keeping the chase a possibility. In an attempt to dampen Glamorgan's qualification hopes, the New Zealander started slowly before driving, both elegantly and destructively, on his way to a half-century.

Ben Geddes and Leus du Plooy made starts but both were undone by Glamorgan's top wicket-taker of the campaign, Ned Leonard, who fought back after 14 runs were taken in his first three deliveries.

After Williamson's departure on 102 for 6, a disciplined and economical display, particularly from Imad Wasim and Dan Douthwaite, always kept Glamorgan in front, even if it was not enough for a quarter-final spot.