Middlesex Secures First List A Semi-Final Since 1990 with Win Over Sussex
Middlesex triumphed over Sussex by 92 runs in a commanding performance that marks the team’s fourth consecutive victory in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, sealing their first List A semi-final appearance since 1990. A standout performance from Joe Cracknell, who scored 128 runs off 112 balls, and Nathan Fernandes, who contributed 92 runs from 106 balls, propelled Middlesex to a total of 354 for 8.
Despite a spirited response from Sussex, featuring half-centuries from John Simpson (65 runs off 60 balls) and Oli Carter (58 runs off 67 balls), they fell short, ending their campaign at the bottom of Group B with just one win, finishing with a total of 262 runs. Sebastian Morgan was the standout bowler for Middlesex, taking 4 wickets for 46 runs.
Put in to bat, Middlesex faced an early setback, losing two wickets for just 20 runs as Toby Munt claimed two early scalps, including a superb delivery that bowled Ben Geddes. However, Cracknell and Fernandes stabilized the innings, building a significant partnership of 202 runs for the third wicket.
Cracknell’s aggressive approach was highlighted by a series of shots including the game’s first six, while Fernandes moved the score along steadily in support. Not long after both reached their fifties, Cracknell completed his century off 87 balls, but both batsmen fell in quick succession thereafter. The innings accelerated further when Aaryan Sawant smashed 25 runs off just 14 balls, including three sixes, before Eathan Bosch unleashed a blistering final over against Munt, scoring 33 runs off just 10 balls.
Chasing 355, Sussex struggled early on, losing Charlie Tear and Noah Cornwell cheaply. Carter emerged as a key player, initially fighting back with boundaries before his dismissal left the Sharks in turmoil at 120 for 6. Mere resistance from Simpson and Freddie Price, who added 73 runs together, provided some hope but ultimately they could not prevent the loss. Munt also gave a late flourish with a quick 26 runs off 25 balls before Morgan wrapped up the innings, taking the last two wickets.
Middlesex now looks forward to hosting either Lancashire or Durham in the semi-final, set to take place on Sunday at Radlett.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
