Essex vs Glamorgan Vitality Blast top scorers at Sophia Gardens are defined by a dominant home record for Glamorgan, who have played all 79 T20 Blast matches held at the Cardiff venue since 2014.

The ground hosts extreme statistical outliers, including Glamorgan's highest team total of 243/4 and their lowest of 9/0, alongside the venue's highest individual score of 135 runs by KS Carlson.

Essex vs Glamorgan Vitality Blast top scorers. Photo: John Sutton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Overview

The Essex versus Glamorgan rivalry in the Vitality Blast is defined by the home advantage held by the Welsh county at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. This venue has served as the primary stage for Glamorgan's T20 campaign since the league's inaugural season in 2014. The statistical record for this head-to-head matchup is derived from the complete match history at this ground, covering fixtures from the first contest on 30 May 2014 through to the most recent encounter on 29 May 2026.

Glamorgan has been the most active team at Sophia Gardens, accounting for all 79 recorded matches at the venue during this period. This extensive sample size provides a robust dataset for analyzing performance trends, batting dominance, and bowling efficiency specific to the Cardiff conditions. The data reflects the evolution of the T20 format over more than a decade, capturing the shift in scoring rates and strategic approaches employed by both franchises.

Key records at this venue highlight the potential for high-scoring affairs and dominant individual performances. The highest team total recorded is 243/4, achieved by Glamorgan on 19 July 2024. This innings was anchored by the highest individual batting score at the ground, 135 runs by KS Carlson on the same date. Conversely, the lowest team total is 9/0, also by Glamorgan, recorded on 5 June 2022. On the bowling front, the best figures are 6/16, taken by MG Hogan on 3 August 2017. These statistics define the extremes of performance possible at Sophia Gardens and provide context for evaluating the Essex versus Glamorgan head-to-head records.

Who are the top individual performers?

Individual records at Sophia Gardens showcase the extremes of T20 Blast performance. The highest individual batting score is 135 runs, achieved by KS Carlson on 2024-07-19. This innings was part of Glamorgan's highest team total of 243/4, also recorded on the same date. The consistency of Glamorgan's dominance is evident, as they have played all 79 matches at this venue since the first T20 match in 2014.

On the bowling front, the best figures recorded are 6/16 by MG Hogan. This performance took place on 2017-08-03, highlighting the potential for wicket-taking spells on the Cardiff pitch. These individual milestones define the competitive landscape of the Essex versus Glamorgan rivalry in the Vitality Blast. Analysts tracking player form often reference these benchmarks when evaluating performers at this ground.

Match frequency and venue context

Sophia Gardens in Cardiff has served as a primary fixture for T20 Blast cricket over more than a decade. The venue recorded its first match on 2014-05-30, establishing a long-running schedule that continued through to the most recent fixture on 2026-05-29. This span covers 12 years of competition, providing a substantial dataset for analyzing team performance and player consistency at this specific ground.

The consistency of Glamorgan's presence at Sophia Gardens provides a unique benchmark for evaluating the venue's characteristics. With nearly eight decades of T20 Blast action concentrated at this single site, trends in scoring rates and bowling effectiveness can be tracked with greater precision than at venues with more fragmented hosting histories. The data from these 79 encounters forms the foundation for understanding the competitive dynamics between Essex and Glamorgan when they meet in Cardiff.

How do these records compare to other T20 Blast venues?

Score volatility at Sophia Gardens is extreme, creating a challenging environment for T20 Blast teams. The venue has recorded the highest team total of 243/4 by Glamorgan on 2024-07-19. This high-scoring performance contrasts sharply with the lowest team total of 9/0 by Glamorgan on 2022-06-05. Such a wide range between the highest and lowest totals indicates significant pitch variability and match conditions at this Cardiff ground.

The 243/4 total by Glamorgan stands out in the broader T20 Blast landscape. Achieving over 240 runs in a single innings requires consistent boundary-hitting and effective rotation of strike. This specific match on 2024-07-19 demonstrated the batting potential available when conditions favor the order. The score reflects the aggressive nature of the Vitality Blast format at this venue.

Conversely, the 9/0 total by Glamorgan on 2022-06-05 highlights the defensive capabilities of the pitch. A score of 9 runs in an innings suggests a slow surface or dominant bowling performance. This low total provides a stark comparison to the 243/4 high, emphasizing the unpredictability of matches at Sophia Gardens. Teams must adapt quickly to these shifting conditions.

Individual performances also reflect this volatility. KS Carlson scored 135 runs on 2024-07-19, contributing significantly to the 243/4 total. This individual effort underscores the impact of a single batsman on the team's overall score. On the bowling side, MG Hogan achieved figures of 6/16 on 2017-08-03. These best bowling figures demonstrate the potential for dominant performances that can suppress team totals.

The contrast between these records defines the character of T20 Blast cricket at Sophia Gardens. The venue has hosted 79 matches, providing a substantial sample size for these statistical extremes. The data from 2014-05-30 to 2026-05-29 shows that both high-scoring thrillers and low-scoring tactical battles are possible. This variability makes Sophia Gardens a unique venue in the T20 Blast competition.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest team total at Sophia Gardens in the T20 Blast?

The highest team total is 243/4, scored by Glamorgan on 2024-07-19.

Who holds the record for the highest individual score at Sophia Gardens?

KS Carlson holds the record with 135 runs, also scored on 2024-07-19.

What is the lowest team total recorded at Sophia Gardens?

The lowest team total is 9/0, scored by Glamorgan on 2022-06-05.

Who has the best bowling figures at Sophia Gardens?

MG Hogan recorded the best bowling figures of 6/16 on 2017-08-03.

How many T20 Blast matches have been played at Sophia Gardens?

A total of 79 matches have been played at the venue, starting from 2014-05-30.

Summary

Sophia Gardens has hosted 79 T20 Blast matches since 2014, with Glamorgan as the most active team. The venue's records include a highest team total of 243/4, a lowest of 9/0, a highest individual score of 135 by KS Carlson, and best bowling figures of 6/16 by MG Hogan.

See also