JOE Thomas was run out on the final ball to leave Oxfordshire locked in a thrilling NCCA Trophy draw with Cumbria.

The No 11 grabbed the single the hosts needed to tie, but he was dismissed by Sam Dutton coming back for the second.

It left Oxon stranded on 255 all out as they matched Cumbria’s total to claim a point from the Group 1 clash at Banbury CC.

The home side were aiming to end their opponents’ 100 per cent record in the 50-over competition and elected to field after winning the toss.

Dutton was the first to go for 15, but opening partner and former England player Gary Pratt – who famously ran out Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the 2005 Ashes at Trent Bridge – showed his class.

The 40-year-old scored a classy 112 off 127 as a series of middle-order batsmen fell in single figures to give Oxon a steady stream of wickets.

Brodie Glendenning came to the crease in the 42nd over and hit a quickfire 51 (35) to help Cumbria close on 255/8, after Pratt was caught by Tom Condon off Ollie Currill’s bowling 19 balls from the end of the innings.

Oxon shared the wickets around with six bowlers claiming scalps, Tom Cosford (2/47) the only man to record two dismissals.

The opener put on 40 with Harrison Smith as the hosts’ reply got off to a strong start, but Marcus Campopiano and Condon fell in quick succession to leave them 53/3.

Captain Jonny Cater arrived at the crease and set about rebuilding the innings, putting on 67 with Olly Clarke after losing Smith for 24.

The skipper had just passed 50 when Clarke fell for 29 and he looked set to steer his side to victory as he struck a brilliant century, his 104 (118) including 13 fours and two sixes.

Cater was bowled by Michael Slack four balls after reaching 100, leaving Oxon on 247/8 at the start of the final over.

Slack caught Prav Chahal off Glendenning’s bowling off the next ball, but Thomas (6) and Robbie Shurmer reeled the visitors in.

The No 11 struck a four to leave Oxon one short with one to go and the pair scampered through for a single, before the run out denied the hosts victory.

Cater’s men sit third in Group 1 and visit second-placed Northumberland on Sunday.