Middlesex Women suffered their second defeat of the Vitality Blast campaign as Worcestershire Rapids Women claimed a nine-wicket victory at Bromsgrove CC.
After electing to bat first, Middlesex posted 110/7 from their 20 overs, with captain Saskia Horley leading the way with an impressive innings of 47. Worcestershire responded strongly, reaching 114/1 in 14 overs despite Middlesex's efforts in the field.
Middlesex's innings got off to a difficult start as both Scarlett Hughes and Artemis Downer fell inside the opening four overs, leaving the visitors 11/2.
However, Issy Routledge and Horley combined to steady the innings with an important third-wicket partnership worth 75 runs. The pair rebuilt patiently after the early setbacks, taking Middlesex to 50 in the tenth over before beginning to increase the scoring rate through the middle stages.
Horley produced a composed knock of 47 from just 35 deliveries, striking six boundaries. The Middlesex captain looked set for a half-century before being run out at the end of the 14th over, having provided the backbone of the innings.
Routledge offered excellent support at the other end, contributing 30 from 40 balls, including three fours. The opening batter anchored the recovery before becoming the fourth wicket to fall shortly after Horley's dismissal.
With Middlesex looking to accelerate in the closing overs, Worcestershire applied pressure through a combination of disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Three run outs in the latter stages restricted the visitors' momentum, although Sarah Pearson remained unbeaten on 11 from 12 deliveries to guide Middlesex to 110/7 from their 20 overs.
Worcestershire began their chase positively, with openers Bryony Gillgrass and Madison Windeatt putting together a strong opening partnership. The pair added 70 for the first wicket and took the hosts to 42 without loss at the end of the powerplay.
Middlesex continued to battle hard and found a breakthrough when Horley removed Windeatt for 21, with Abbie Whybrow taking the catch.
Gillgrass, however, continued to lead the chase and reached a well-made half-century from just 30 deliveries. She found support from Sophie Beech, who played an attacking innings of 30 not out from 17 balls as Worcestershire moved towards their target.
Despite disciplined spells from Horley, Sarah Patel and Hannah Francis, Middlesex were unable to make further inroads as the home side reached 114/1 with six overs to spare.
Middlesex will now look to bounce back quickly as their Vitality Blast campaign continues.
Worcestershire Rapids Women
Middlesex Women
