In a riveting clash in the 2023 T20 Blast, Middlesex defeated Surrey by completing a remarkable 253-run chase with four balls remaining to snap their 10-match losing record. South Africa’s 259-run pursuit versus the West Indies earlier this year was the biggest run chase in T20s and the highest in the history of the event.
With the bat, captain Stephen Eskinazi took the lead and scored 73 runs from only 39 balls, including one six as well as 13 boundaries. Along with Max Holden who scored a magnificent 48, Ryan Higgins notched up 36, and Joe Cracknell produced a scintillating knock which saw him undefeated at 68 from 35 deliveries.
Chris Jordan, the captain of Surrey, responded with a couple of wickets but also 41 runs during his four over spell. Will Jacks blasted 96 off 45 balls in the first innings, hitting five consecutive sixes, whereas Laurie Evans struck 85 off 37 as they shared a 177-run opening wicket stand.
Together, the openers destroyed every Middlesex bowler with their explosive performance, smashing 12 sixes as well as 17 boundaries to help Surrey reach 252/7 during their allotted 20 overs. For Middlesex, Tom Helm, Martin Andersson, along with Ryan Higgins each claimed two wickets, and Max Harris claimed one.
Middlesex snapped a 14-match T20 Blast losing run with this remarkable chase. On June 19,2022, they beat Kent which was their last victory as they went on to lose their final four games of the 2022 season. Middlesex will now try to maintain their winning streak in their final three games of the season. Middlesex is currently in last place within the South Group standings with just one victory. On Friday, June 23, they will compete against Kent at Canterbury. In the meantime, Somerset is in first place in the South Group within the 2023 T20 Blast overall standings with nine victories in 11 games.
Fans react to Middlesex chasing down staggering 254 runs in T20 Blast : –
The most runs ever scored in a T20 match in England
Middlesex currently on a hype pic.twitter.com/a806a8r4ml
— Santokie (@Santokie89) June 22, 2023
? RECORD BREAKERS ?
Middlesex produced the biggest successful run chase in Vitality Blast history to stun Surrey with an incredible seven-wicket victory ? pic.twitter.com/IvdqcXQMbm
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 22, 2023
Who needs the 100!!!
500 runs in 40 overs!
Brilliant batting all around
— Richard Sculley (@SculleyRichard) June 22, 2023
Wow, Middlesex just broke records and hearts with that insane run chase against Surrey! ??? Check my bio plz
— E_Francis? (@EFranci43785081) June 22, 2023
Middlesex has rewritten the history books with their epic run chase! ?? A truly exhilarating match that showcased the team's determination and skills. Congratulations on an outstanding performance! See my homepage plz
— Sophie D? (@SophieD29051625) June 22, 2023
An absolute CRAKER. Records broken with a seemingly impossible chase down by Middlesex that begs the question of what's the point of the so called Hundred?.
— Keith M (@slainte_mhath_) June 22, 2023
Great game to watch as a neutral, the one negative was the quality of the reviews, looks like there was a lack of cameras, more cutbacks while the price always rises
— Brooksey (@PB70Mcr) June 22, 2023
One of the best games I’ve had the privilege to be at. Fantastic and well deserved Middlesex! pic.twitter.com/KYmXjBsTdl
— Scarlett (@ScarlettSport) June 22, 2023
