Middlesex Crush Kent Spitfires with Cracknell’s 88
Middlesex secured a comfortable five-wicket victory over Kent Spitfires in the Metro Bank Cup at Beckenham, thanks to a blistering knock from Joe Cracknell.
Cracknell’s 88-run innings, which included two sixes and ten fours, propelled Middlesex to a target of 205 with 8.4 overs to spare. Robbie White contributed a valuable 50, guiding the visitors to a commanding position.
Earlier, Kent had posted a total of 204 in 44.4 overs, with Marcus O’Riordan top-scoring with 58. However, Middlesex’s bowlers, led by Josh de Caires, Henry Brookes, and Nathan Fernandes, who each claimed two wickets, kept the Spitfires in check.
Kent’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost Beyers Swanepoel early on. O’Riordan provided some resistance, but his dismissal triggered a collapse, with Kent struggling to form meaningful partnerships. Hamid Qadri and Matt Parkinson eventually pushed the score past 200, but their efforts proved insufficient.
Middlesex’s chase began with a brief setback as Grant Stewart dismissed Nathan Gilchrist and Sam Robson in quick succession. However, Cracknell took control of the innings, dominating the Kent bowlers with his aggressive strokeplay.
Despite falling short of a century, Cracknell’s innings laid the foundation for Middlesex’s victory. Jack Davies and Mark Stoneman contributed valuable runs, ensuring a comfortable win for the visitors.