Middlesex Women booked their place in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final with a hard-fought 29-run victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women at Radlett Cricket Club.
In a rain-affected semi-final, Middlesex produced an outstanding all-round performance to overcome Northamptonshire and secure their place in the final in Bristol. Despite losing early wickets with the bat, Middlesex recovered well through a magnificent unbeaten 75 from Abbie Whybrow to post 169 all out from 41 overs.
Northamptonshire were then bowled out for 135 in 32.5 overs, with Saskia Horley producing a match-winning spell of 4/27 from 8.5 overs and Hannah Davis adding an excellent 2/24.
The victory sends Middlesex through to the final, where they will now travel to Bristol to face Glamorgan with the Metro Bank One-Day Cup trophy firmly in their sights.
Having won the toss, Northamptonshire elected to bowl and made the good start as Middlesex lost Artemis Downer, 0/1. Riva Pindoria followed shortly afterwards for four, leaving Middlesex 8/2 inside four overs.
Issy Routledge and Horley then began to rebuild, putting together a valuable partnership before Routledge was dismissed for 16. Horley followed soon after for 23, leaving Middlesex 50/4.
Further wickets followed as Pippa Sproul was dismissed for 11 and Scarlett Hughes fell early, with Middlesex reduced to 63/5 before rain and a subsequent ground delay interrupted proceedings.
The match was eventually reduced to 45 overs, but Middlesex found the perfect response after the restart through Whybrow.
Whybrow took control of the innings, striking the ball with authority and finding the boundary regularly as she guided Middlesex towards a competitive total. She brought up an excellent half-century from 56 balls, having already struck eight fours.
Supported by Hannah Davis, Siya Nanavati and Rachana Cambampaty, Whybrow continued to accumulate runs and eventually reached a superb unbeaten 75 from just 75 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six.
Her innings proved crucial as Middlesex recovered from 63/5 to reach 150 before being bowled out for 169 in the 41st over.
With Northamptonshire set a revised target of 165 from their 45 overs, Middlesex's bowlers knew they would need to deliver.
Northamptonshire made a positive start, with Amelia Kemp and Chloe Hill putting together a 58-run opening partnership. Kemp struck five fours during a brisk 27 before Routledge made the breakthrough, having her caught by Hughes.
Hannah Davis then removed Michaela Kirk for 15, before Horley entered the attack and began to turn the game decisively in Middlesex's favour.
The all-rounder dismissed May Drinkell for four before removing Hill, who had top-scored for Northamptonshire with a determined 46 from 81 balls.
Horley then completed a remarkable four-wicket haul by dismissing Lenny Sims, Mabel Reid and Ella Phillips in quick succession. Her 4/27 from 8.5 overs, including a maiden, ripped through the Northamptonshire lower order and put Middlesex firmly in control.
Davis also played a key role, finishing with excellent figures of 2/24 from her eight overs, while Nanavati and Cambampaty claimed a wicket apiece.
Northamptonshire slipped from 113/4 to 124/7 before eventually being bowled out for 135 in 32.5 overs. Middlesex's disciplined bowling and outstanding fielding ensured there would be no late comeback, with Robinson run out for the final wicket.
The 29-run victory was enough to send Middlesex through to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final, capping an impressive campaign and setting up a huge occasion in Bristol.
Whybrow's unbeaten 75 was the foundation of Middlesex's recovery with the bat, while Horley's superb 4/27 proved decisive with the ball.
Middlesex Women are heading to Bristol for the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final.
After battling through a challenging semi-final at Radlett, Middlesex have earned their place on the biggest stage and will play Glamorgan in the final in Bristol
Middlesex Women
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women
