Luc Benkenstein's 67 Fires Essex to Victory
Essex have won by 60 runs. Essex batted first and posted 176/5 in 20 overs. Middlesex, chasing 177, fell short at 116/10 in 17.5 overs.
Luc Benkenstein was the standout in the first innings, scoring 67 off 56 balls (SR 120). 2 sixes and 8 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 35 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Ryan Higgins fought hard with 36 off 28 balls, but it was not enough to haul Middlesex over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Noah Thain delivered figures of 3/11 in 2 overs (Econ 5.5). Crucial breakthroughs at key moments that shifted the momentum.
ESS lead the series 53-1. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 17 of the first innings was the inflection point — 25 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
67 off 56 balls (SR 120), 8 fours, 2 sixes
3/11 in 2 overs (Econ: 5.50)
61 off 37 balls (SR 165), 5 fours, 4 sixes
Verdict
Essex showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Middlesex came up short by 60 runs. There were passages where they looked competitive, but consistency eluded them when it mattered. ESS lead the series 53-1. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.