T20 Blast 2022| Stephen Eskinazi’s quickfire innings sets up a Middlesex win

The T20 Blast 2022 fixture between Middlesex and Gloucestershire ended with the former securing a 30-run victory at Radlett Cricket Ground. 

Batting first, Middlesex had a great start with 15 runs coming in the first over. The openers Stephen Eskinazi and Max Holden stamped their authority and used the fielding restrictions well. 

Holden (27) hit a six off Higgins on the first ball in the fifth over but soon holed out to Miles Hammond at the covers. 

The Pakistan fast-bowler Naseem Shah went for 31 runs in two overs, as Middlesex smashed 89 runs in the first six overs. In this pursuit, Eskinazi completed his fifty off just 22 balls. Although, a couple of overs later, he misjudged a slower ball from Naseem and was dismissed for a terrific knock of 87 off 37 balls, comprising 13 fours and two sixes. 

Thereafter, Joe Cracknell and Eoin Morgan took the command. The former was impressive with his placement and intent to contribute, while the latter contributed 41 off 24 to help the team finish on 229. 

In reply, the Gloucestershire opener James Bracey (8) was bowled round his legs off Chris Green in the third over. 

The other opener Miles Hammond was impressive with his starts to accumulate 23 but could not clear the deep point boundary. The likes of Ian Cockbain (13) and Glenn Phillips (8) could not contribute enough. 

Although the all-rounder Benny Howell was brilliant with his innings of 46 off 20, with three sixes and as many fours, it was not enough as the team fell short by 30 runs. 

In their next fixture, Middlesex will face Hampshire at Southampton. On the other hand, Gloucestershire will be up against the challenge of Sussex at Bristol. Both the fixtures will be played on May 27. 

Brief Scores: 

Middlesex- 229/9 (20)

Stephen Eskinazi 87 (37), Eoin Morgan 41 (24);

Ryan Higgins 3/32 (4)

Gloucestershire- 199/9 (20)

Benny Howell 46 (20), Ryan Higgins 34 (21);

Martin Andersson 3/33 (4)

Middlesex won by 30 runs.