Middlesex secured a crucial five-wicket victory over Lancashire in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash at Emirates Old Trafford, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Lancashire’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. However, 16-year-old debutant Kesh Fonseka (42) and Rocky Flintoff (88) steadied the ship with a 58-run partnership. Flintoff, playing his fifth innings for Lancashire, reached his maiden fifty for the county, hitting six fours and two sixes.
Despite Flintoff’s heroics, Middlesex’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Henry Brookes (4-43) and Ethan Bamber (2-31) sharing seven wickets. Lancashire’s innings ended on 233 for 9 in the rain-reduced 48-over match.
In reply, Middlesex openers Joe Cracknell (98) and Sam Robson (87*) put on a dominant 175-run partnership for the second wicket. Cracknell reached his fifty off 71 balls, while Robson reached his half-century off 64 balls.
Lancashire fought back late in the innings, taking four wickets in quick succession. However, Robson remained unbeaten, guiding Middlesex to victory with eight balls to spare. Josh Boyden (2-35) and Jack Morley (3-48) were the pick of the Lancashire bowlers.
The victory keeps Middlesex in contention for a place in the knockout stages, while Lancashire’s hopes of qualification are fading.
