10:54 PM IST, 6:24 PM Local Time: A comprehensive victory for Essex as they outclassed Middlesex by a massive 60 runs and extended their winning streak to three matches, while Middlesex have lost three games on the trot now.

Earlier, after being invited to bat first, Essex overcame an early setback to post a competitive 176/5 in 20 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start as Paul Walter (7) and Michael Pepper (14) fell inside the first three overs, leaving Essex reeling at 26/2. However, Charlie Allison and Luc Benkenstein rescued the innings with a superb 133-run partnership for the third wicket. Allison played an aggressive knock of 61 off 37 balls, smashing five fours and four sixes, while Benkenstein anchored the innings with a composed 67 off 56 deliveries. Despite losing a couple of wickets late on, Essex finished strongly, thanks to the foundation laid by the duo. Sebastian Morgan (2/34) was the pick of the Middlesex bowlers.

The chase got off to a disastrous start as Adam Rossington was dismissed for a duck in the very first over. Middlesex never recovered from the early blows, slipping to 32/3 inside six overs after losing Josh de Caires (12) and Ben Geddes (0) in quick succession.

Max Holden (20) and skipper Leus du Plooy (14) attempted to rebuild, but regular wickets kept derailing the innings. The only significant resistance came from Ryan Higgins, who struck 36 off 28 balls with three fours and two sixes, but lacked support from the other end. Once Higgins departed at 104/9, the contest was effectively over.

Essex shared the wickets around, with Noah Thain (3/11) leading the charge. Shane Snater (2/28), Zaman Akhter (2/23), and Charlie Bennett (2/22) provided excellent support, while Wiaan Mulder chipped in with a wicket and conceded just 11 runs from his three overs. Middlesex were eventually bowled out for 116, falling 60 runs short of the target.

T20 Blast 2026

Venue Stats

Pace vs Spin on Venue