Middlesex Women signed off their Vitality Blast Women League 2 campaign with an 11-run victory over Sussex Sharks Women a Radlett CC.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Middlesex made a bright start through Scarlett Hughes, whose fluent 22 from just 13 deliveries, including four boundaries, helped the hosts race to 33 before she was caught by Bella Johnson.
Sussex struck twice in quick succession as Artemis Downer fell for five, but captain Saskia Horley and Gaya Gole steadied the innings with a partnership of 55. Horley led from the front with 38 from 27 balls, striking four fours and a six, before Gole added a composed 15.
Riva Pindoria produced an outstanding unbeaten half-century to propel Middlesex towards a competitive total. Pindoria finished unbeaten on 52 from just 28 balls, striking six fours and a six, while Hannah Davis provided valuable late support with an unbeaten seven from three deliveries as Middlesex closed on 174/7 from their 20 overs.
Eve O'Neill was the pick of the Sussex attack with impressive figures of 4/26, while Chiara Green, Rebecca Denman and Johnson each claimed a wicket.
In reply, Sussex made a strong start as Izzy Collis and Mollie Adams shared an opening stand of 88 inside nine overs to put the visitors firmly in contention. Adams top-scored with an attacking 51 from 31 deliveries, including seven fours and two sixes, before Saskia Horley made the breakthrough by having her caught by Anaya Patel.
Hannah Davis quickly removed Collis for 33 before Alice Whitmore dismissed Shristi Patil to leave Sussex 93/3. Middlesex continued to apply pressure as Patel produced a superb spell through the middle overs, dismissing Green and trapping Johnson lbw before Scarlett Hughes completed a sharp stumping to remove Talitha Stanley. Patel then struck to dismiss Rebecca Denman and reduce Sussex to 140/6.
Despite late resistance from Darcey Clarke and Ava Lee, Middlesex held their nerve during the closing overs to restrict Sussex to 163/7 and seal an 11-run victory.
Patel finished with outstanding figures of 4/31 from her four overs, while Davis, Horley and Whitmore each claimed a wicket.
Although the victory was not enough to secure the bonus-point win Middlesex required to keep their Finals Day hopes alive, it ensured they ended their Vitality Blast Women League 2 campaign on a high, finishing fourth in the standings after an encouraging season.
Middlesex Women
Sussex Sharks Women
