New South Wales wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes narrowly missed his maiden professional century, being run out for 99 during a One-Day Cup match against South Australia on March 9, 2024, in Sydney. The 26-year-old, who had previously recorded a highest score of 82 in List A cricket, was poised to reach the milestone but made a critical error as he sprinted for a single.
Gilkes had been batting confidently, but as he directed the ball towards short cover, he attempted a risky run that resulted in his dismissal by former teammate Jason Sangha at the non-striker’s end. This unfortunate incident unfolded just one run shy of triple figures, leaving Gilkes to reflect on what could have been.
Match Analysis and Team Performance
Despite Gilkes’ near miss, New South Wales managed to post a total of 288 runs for the loss of seven wickets after their allotted 50 overs. This score set a challenging target of 289 runs for South Australia to chase. Gilkes was instrumental in establishing a strong foundation, forming a significant second-wicket partnership of 140 runs with opener Kurtis Patterson.
Patterson himself had an impressive outing, scoring 73 runs before being controversially given out caught behind while attempting a lap shot against South Australian seamer Brendan Doggett. His reaction suggested he believed he had not made contact with the ball, adding to the drama of the match.
In a late surge, all-rounder Chris Green contributed an unbeaten 39 runs from just 19 balls, including three sixes, which helped bolster the team’s total. Green’s aggressive batting proved vital in the latter stages of the innings, showcasing the depth of New South Wales’ batting lineup.
Implications for Future Matches
Gilkes has been a standout performer, finishing last summer as the third-leading run-scorer in the One-Day Cup. Notably, he has crossed the fifty mark on 26 occasions across various formats, including the Sheffield Shield and the Big Bash League. His near-century will likely fuel his determination in upcoming matches.
Commenting on the psychological pressures of cricket, Hannah Darlington, an all-rounder for the Breakers, noted during the commentary, “You could see before, the fielders crept in, they weren’t on the ring anymore. It’s part of the mental game of cricket – it just happens to be on 99 that batters are only looking for one.” She added that Gilkes would likely replay the moment multiple times in his mind.
Looking ahead, New South Wales will aim to build on this performance as they continue their campaign in the One-Day Cup. Gilkes’ resilience and skill will be crucial as the team strives for success in this competitive tournament. Fans can catch live coverage of the 2025 Marsh One Day Cup on Kayo Sports, with special offers available for new subscribers.
