Derbyshire’s Harry Came and Luis Reece orchestrated a dominant nine-wicket victory over Middlesex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, propelling Derbyshire to the summit of Group A.
Came’s maiden List A century (113* off 130) and Reece’s 88 off 202 balls formed an unbreakable opening partnership of 216, guiding Derbyshire to their target of 267 with seven overs to spare.
Middlesex’s innings was anchored by Joe Cracknell’s 56, but a middle-order collapse left them vulnerable. Martin Andersson’s 46 and the lower order’s contributions lifted their total to 267, with Daryn Dupavillon claiming 3 for 47.
After being inserted, Middlesex’s Sam Robson (32) looked promising, but Sam Conners’ late movement had him caught behind. Cracknell struggled initially but found his rhythm with a pulled six off Conners. However, he was dropped at slip on 33 and eventually dismissed by Dupavillon.
Nathan Fernandes and Mark Stoneman provided stability, but Stoneman’s loose shot and Jack Davies’ mistimed pull left Middlesex reeling at 131 for 5. Andersson and Luke Hollman steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership, but Harry Moore’s return broke the stand.
Josh De Caires’ six off Samit Patel briefly threatened, but Patel responded by bowling Andersson. De Caires’ 23 off 19 balls kept Middlesex in the game, but Zak Chappell’s dismissal ended their hopes.
Derbyshire’s chase began with a flurry of wides from Noah Cornwell and Blake Cullen. Reece’s aggressive strokeplay, including a pull into the car park and a whip over long leg, set the tone. Came joined the party, pulling Cornwell for six to reach his half-century.
Despite Stoneman’s bowling changes, the openers continued to dominate. Reece reached his 50 off 48 balls, while Came brought up his century off 116. Reece’s dismissal via lbw to Hollman was a minor setback, but Came’s unbeaten century sealed Derbyshire’s emphatic victory.
