Middlesex pull off mega T20 run chase in bonkers win over Surrey as records smashed at Oval
iddlesex completed the second highest run chase in T20 history as they pulled off a miraculous victory against Surrey at The Oval to arrest a 14-match losing run.
Chasing 253 for victory, a first-innings total from Surrey that in itself was the highest score of all time on the ground, Middlesex exploded out the blocks as Steve Eskinazi (73) and Joe Cracknell put on 90 for the first wicket in the opening six-and-a-half overs.
It felt sure to be a matter of when, not if, Middlesex’s chase tailed off, but instead their batters kept going and going as Max Holden, who scored an unbeaten 121 not out against Kent only last week, made 65 not out off 35 balls and was ably assisted by Joe Cracknell (36 off 16) and Ryan Higgins (48 off 24), before Jack Davies made 11 from just three deliveries at the very end. Only South Africa, who chased 259 against the West Indies, have ever chased more to win a T20 match.
What made the result all the more remarkable was that it was Middlesex’s very first victory of the season, having lost all ten of their matches in the Blast this year. Rooted to the bottom of the table, Middlesex had lost their last 14 Blast matches in total (including last season) and faced the ignominy of going an entire season winless.
Surrey, on the other hand, have been flying high and are second in the ten-team table with the top four qualifying for the quarter-finals. Whilst at risk of now missing out on the next stage of the competition, one win from their final two matches will be enough to ensure qualification.
Surrey’s earlier innings included a remarkable 177 opening stand between Will Jacks (96) and Laurie Evans (85). At one stage, Jacks, who could be in contention for the Test squad next week, hit five consecutive sixes off the bowling of Luke Hollman, and with the opportunity to hit six-sixes in the over, shanked a full toss for one run before throwing his head back in agony.
“An absolutely incredible game of cricket,” said 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.”