Middlesex pull off second-highest run-chase in T20 history against Surrey in T20 Blast

Middlesex vs Surrey (Source: Twitter)

In the T20 Blast's South Group, Surrey and Middlesex delivered an explosive match at The Oval. Middlesex achieved the highest-ever chase of 253 runs with four balls remaining.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Surrey grabbed command of the game from the word go. Their openers Will Jacks and Laurie Evans, put on a 177-run partnership inside 13 overs to set a huge target. However, the side led by Chris Jordan would be disappointed as they could only manage 74 runs in the next seven overs, with none of the remaining batters surpassing the 20-run mark.

English cricketer Jacks produced a breathtaking inning, including five sixes in an over, but fell short of a well-deserved century by just four runs. His partner Evans smashed nine fours and five sixes before getting dismissed on 85. Middlesex bowlers Tom Helm, Martin Andersson, and Ryan Higgins each claimed two wickets to restrict their opponents to under 260.

Watch: Will Jacks hits five sixes in an over

5 consecutive sixes by Will Jacks in a single over.

RCB player to watch out in IPL 2024.pic.twitter.com/L6hc1r7UWe

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 22, 2023

Middlesex openers laid the foundations for an epic chase

The reply innings from Middlesex followed a similar trajectory as skipper Stephen Eskinazi put on a blazing 90-run partnership with his opening partner Joe Cracknell. Tom Curran broke the dangerous partnership by dismissing Cracknell (36 off 16 balls) through a run-out. Surrey captain Jordan provided another breakthrough; he removed Eskinazi for 73 off 39 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes.

However, the real punishment for Surrey bowlers awaited Max Holden, who combined with Ryan Higgins, who stitched 105 runs for the third wicket. Higgins made 48 from 24 deliveries, while Holden remained unbeaten on 68 off 35 balls. With nine runs needed in the final over, Jack Davies smashed 11 runs off three balls to be a part of this epic chase.

The seven-wicket win ended Middlesex's 10-match losing streak in the 2023 T20 Blast. On the other hand, Surrey missed the chance to move above Somerset at the top of the table.