Middlesex Women were back in action at Lord's on Tuesday as they welcomed SCG XI for an friendly fixture, with the visitors claiming an eight-wicket victory.
Having lost the toss and been asked to bat first, Middlesex made a positive start through Scarlett Hughes and Artemis Downer, who added 22 for the opening wicket. Downer struck two boundaries in her 14 before she was caught and bowled by Alice Longhurst.
SCG XI then enjoyed a productive spell with the ball, claiming three wickets in quick succession to leave Middlesex 46/5. Hughes had earlier top-scored with an entertaining 27 from just 19 deliveries, including three fours and a six, while Grace Irving helped rebuild the innings with a composed 23 from 25 balls.
Sophie Pearson anchored the latter stages of the innings with an unbeaten 22, finding valuable support from Shreya Nanavati (9) and Priya Mangat (2 not out), as Middlesex closed on 108/7 from their 20 overs.
Georgia Plummer was the standout performer for SCG XI, producing an excellent spell of 5/10 from her three overs, while Longhurst and Sofia Dimeglio each picked up a wicket.
In reply, SCG XI made an assured start despite the early dismissal of Katie McTaggart, who was caught by Downer off the bowling of Nanavati. Captain Eleanor Ragg led the chase with an attacking 52 from just 26 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes before retiring after reaching her half-century.
Olivia Callaghan continued the momentum with an unbeaten 32, while Katie Churchland struck a quickfire 11 not out from just three deliveries to see the visitors to their target in 11 overs.
The fixture provided another valuable opportunity for Middlesex to gain competitive match practice ahead of the remainder of the summer, while also welcoming international opposition to Lord's.
Middlesex would like to thank SCG XI for visiting Lord's and for an enjoyable, competitive fixture, and wish them every success for the rest of their tour.
Middlesex Women
SCG XI
