There have been more strong performances on the field from Middlesex’s EPG players recently with James Isbell, Jack Nelson, Sulayman Thair and Samarjeet Singh all shining.
Middlesex will welcome Glamorgan U18s to Merchant Taylors’ School on Sunday for the semi-final of the County Cup, following a dominant victory over Kent in the previous round which saw a number of standout performances.
Batting first, Middlesex reached 356 for 8 after their 50 overs, thanks largely to James Isbell’s knock of 101 from 117 balls, which got his side off to a strong start, however, two quick wickets at the other end brought Jack Nelson to the crease.
It was a destructive innings from Nelson, the Middlesex Skipper, as he finished unbeaten on 183 from just 126 balls, in a knock containing 18 fours and 9 sixes! Jack Nelson took his form into the second innings, where he picked up four wickets to dismantle the Kent innings. They were eventually dismissed for 231, with Nelson finishing with figures of 4 for 54 from 10 overs, to see Middlesex progress in the competition courtesy of a 125-run victory.
The side continued their fine form into the U18 County Championship, as they defeated Surrey by 104 runs at LSE New Malden. Batting first again, Middlesex struggled early on as they were reduced to 81 for 4 in the morning session; however, this brought Sulayman Thair to the crease. It was a classy and explosive innings from the young batter from Wanstead Cricket Club as he smashed 192 from 173 balls with 27 fours and 4 sixes, as Middlesex were dismissed for 369.
Thair, who only joined up with the Middlesex EPG side this year, was called into action early on in the second innings too, arriving at the crease five overs in, with his side in trouble on 12 for 4. His knock of 90 steadied the Middlesex innings, as they were able to make 233 for 7 before declaring and setting Surrey a target of 289. With all four results still possible heading into the fourth innings, a five-fer from Samarjeet Singh meant Surrey were dismissed for 184 late on the final day, with the spinner finishing with fine figures of 5 for 43 from 16 overs.
