M
iddlesex accomplished the second highest run chase in T20 historical past as they pulled off a miraculous victory in opposition to Surrey at The Oval to arrest a 14-match shedding run.
Chasing 253 for victory, a first-innings complete from Surrey that in itself was the very best rating of all time on the bottom, Middlesex exploded out the blocks as Steve Eskinazi (73) and Joe Cracknell placed on 90 for the primary wicket within the opening six-and-a-half overs.
It felt positive to be a matter of when, not if, Middlesex’s chase tailed off, however as a substitute their batters saved going and going as Max Holden, who scored an unbeaten 121 not out in opposition to Kent solely final week, made 65 not out off 35 balls and was ably assisted by Joe Cracknell (36 off 16) and Ryan Higgins (48 off 24), earlier than Jack Davies made 11 from simply three deliveries on the very finish. Only South Africa, who chased 259 in opposition to the West Indies, have ever chased extra to win a T20 match.
What made the consequence all of the extra outstanding was that it was Middlesex’s very first victory of the season, having misplaced all ten of their matches within the Blast this yr. Rooted to the underside of the desk, Middlesex had misplaced their final 14 Blast matches in complete (together with final season) and confronted the ignominy of going a complete season winless.
Surrey, then again, have been flying excessive and are second within the ten-team desk with the highest 4 qualifying for the quarter-finals. Whilst susceptible to now lacking out on the subsequent stage of the competitors, one win from their ultimate two matches will likely be sufficient to make sure qualification.
Surrey’s earlier innings included a outstanding 177 opening stand between Will Jacks (96) and Laurie Evans (85). At one stage, Jacks, who could possibly be in competition for the Test squad subsequent week, hit 5 consecutive sixes off the bowling of Luke Hollman, and with the chance to hit six-sixes within the over, shanked a full toss for one run earlier than throwing his head again in agony.
“An absolutely incredible game of cricket ,” mentioned Middlesex captain Stephen Eskinazi after play to Sky Sports. “It’s been a phenomenally difficult time for us a group of players and staff. Everyone loves the club and puts in hours and hours of time.
“While the celebrations may look over the top, it’s a vindication of the process and that we’re finally seeing some of the fruits of our labour… You need results like tonight to make people believe.”
