Nathan Fernandes’ maiden List-A century helped Middlesex secure victory by 41 runs in the opening round of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
After Essex asked Middlesex to bat first at Radlett, Josh de Caires and Nathan Fernandes made an opening partnership of 39 before De Caires departed for 15 in the eighth over. As the first powerplay concluded, Middlesex were 42/1.
The 22nd over saw the fifty partnership between Nathan Fernandes and captain Ben Geddes, as well as bringing the total past 100. The skipper departed for 36 in the following over after being caught by Charlie Bennett.
Middlesex reached the 200 mark shortly before the third powerplay after a well-timed shot from Hollman raced to the boundary. As we entered the final stages, Fernandes brought up his century, nudging a single into the leg side.
Fernandes and Hollman’s partnership surpassed 100 shortly after as Middlesex looked to accelerate at the death. Hollman’s swashbuckling innings ended after a brilliant catch from Zaman Akhtar. Fernandes departed soon after, being caught by Critchley after making a brilliant 112 off 130 balls.
Zafar Gohar’s unbeaten 22 at the end helped Middlesex finish on 294/8
Noah Thain was handed a lifeline early on after being put down on 8 by Toby Roland-Jones off his own bowling. The opening pair got off to a rapid start, surpassing the 50 mark in the sixth over.
Noah Cornwell got the breakthrough for Middlesex with his first ball as Robin Das steered the ball to Naavya Sharma.
Just after the end of the powerplay, Roland-Jones picked up his first wicket of the tournament, trapping Grant Roelofsen for 5. Then, just three balls later, the seamer got his second Matt Critchley was bowled for 4.
Cornwell got his second and Middlesex’s fourth soon after Josh De Caires took a great catch to remove Luc Benkenstein.
A shot into the leg side from Thain brought up his fifth List A half-century in the 21st over.
The middle overs were dominated by the bowlers as Henry Brookes and Zafar Gohar put the squeeze on Essex, slowing down the run-rate.
Thain was dropped for a second time, this time on 69, as the outstretched hand of Sam Robson was unable to hold on off Zafar Gohar. His luck ran out soon after as Luke Hollman spun one around his legs, removing the opener for 74.
Simon Fernandes then brought up his half-century in the 36th over; however, just two balls later he was sent back to the Pavilion after chipping one straight back to Hollman.
Ali Zeb and Mackenzie Jones steadied the ship for the visitors, stopping the flow of wickets falling, attempting to set up a chase in the final powerplay.
Jones’ innings was brought to a close when he chopped on off the bowling of Henry Brookes on 19. Naavya Sharma wrapped up the match in his first over back, removing Charlie Bennett and Jamie Porter in consecutive deliveries.
Middlesex Men
Essex Men
