Asa Tribe Stars Again as Glamorgan Break Losing Streak with Convincing Win Over Leicestershire

Glamorgan finally ended their winless run in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup 2025 with a seven-wicket victory over Leicestershire at Sophia Gardens, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century from Asa Tribe and a composed 83* from Will Smale. The pair combined for a match-winning 172-run partnership that guided Glamorgan to chase down 275 with ease.

Tribe, 21, continued his purple patch with his second century in as many games, finishing unbeaten on 131. The elegant right-hander paced his innings beautifully, bringing up his half-century in 48 balls before accelerating smoothly to his match-winning hundred.

Earlier in the day, Glamorgan’s bowling attack — featuring two 18-year-olds in Tom Norton and Romano Franco — impressed as they bowled out Leicestershire for 274. On debut, Norton claimed 3 for 41, including the prized wicket of Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood as his maiden professional scalp. Franco also returned 3 for 59 in an encouraging display of youthful promise.

Leicestershire had started brightly after being inserted, racing to 44 in just five overs. Sol Budinger struck a couple of early sixes before falling to a sharp low catch by Norton at deep third. Lewis Hill anchored the innings with a fluent 81, while Masood and Peter Handscomb threatened to push the total out of reach during their 84-run stand. However, Norton trapped Masood LBW and Handscomb was run out by a direct hit from teenager Henry Hurle — a pivotal moment that swung momentum Glamorgan's way.

From 176 for 4, Leicestershire lost control as Glamorgan tightened the screws. With boundaries drying up — none came for almost eight overs after the 38th — the Foxes’ lower order struggled to provide late impetus, despite a few lusty blows from Alex Green.

In reply, Glamorgan lost Eddie Byrom early, followed by Hurle, who chopped on to Green — the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. Kiran Carlson lit up the chase with three sixes in a 13-ball cameo, adding 57 with Tribe in just six overs before falling.

Tribe, initially playing second fiddle to Carlson, took charge after his dismissal. Alongside Smale, he built an unbroken stand of 172 — the highest of Glamorgan’s tournament — to guide them home comfortably. Smale was given an early reprieve on just 3, surviving a no-ball dismissal, and went on to play a crucial supporting hand.

The win was Glamorgan’s first after six consecutive losses and came as a welcome lift in what has been a disappointing title defence. Leicestershire, also struggling after winning last year’s title, were made to pay for a sub-par fielding effort and lack of penetration with the ball.

Brief Scores:
Leicestershire 274 all out in 49.3 overs (Hill 81, Norton 3-41, Franco 3-59)
Glamorgan 278/3 in 44.4 overs (Tribe 131*, Smale 83*)
Glamorgan won by 7 wickets