Hampshire opener Ali Orr was the only batter to pass fifty in the game
Metro Bank One-Day Cup quarter-final, Radlett
Hampshire 229-9 (50 overs): Orr 108; Brookes 4-53
Middlesex 187 all out (45.3 overs): Robson 48; Dawson 4-33
Hampshire won by 42 runs
Ali Orr showcased his batting prowess with a century, guiding Hampshire to the One-Day Cup semi-finals after defeating Middlesex in their quarter-final clash at Radlett.
The left-handed Orr’s impressive knock of 108 anchored Hampshire’s recovery from 95-5, setting a target of 230 for Middlesex. Henry Brookes spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming 4-53.
Liam Dawson then played a pivotal role in stifling Middlesex’s chase, taking 4-33, supported by fellow left-arm spinner Andrew Neal (1-30). The hosts were eventually bowled out for 187 in 45.3 overs.
Sam Robson top-scored for Middlesex with 48, and Toby Roland-Jones contributed a late unbeaten cameo of 39. However, their efforts were insufficient to deny Hampshire a semi-final berth against Yorkshire at Scarborough on Sunday.
Middlesex made three changes to their lineup following a tense victory against Lancashire, with Roland-Jones and Ryan Higgins returning and delivering economical opening spells.
Despite this, Orr and Nick Gubbins forged a steady partnership of 45 before Brookes struck, inducing a mistimed pull from the Hampshire captain that landed safely in midwicket’s hands.
Fletcha Middleton was the next to fall, caught behind off a Brookes outswinger, and the seamer soon claimed his third wicket by trapping Ben Brown leg before.
Orr batted with fluency, timing his shots effectively and guiding Brookes to the point boundary to reach his half-century for the second consecutive innings. However, Middlesex continued to chip away at the wickets.
Dawson, making his first appearance of the tournament, was dismissed lbw by Sebastian Morgan, while Zafar Gohar’s economical spell of 1-29 included the wicket of Ben Mayes, who miscued a reverse sweep.
James Fuller’s spirited 42 provided valuable support for Orr, as the pair added 96 runs in 18 overs before Higgins had the all-rounder caught in the deep.
Orr reached his century in style with a six off Brookes, but eventually fell to Higgins at long-on, effectively curtailing Hampshire’s hopes of surpassing 250.
Middlesex shuffled their batting order, promoting Nathan Fernandes to open after his match-winning 92 against Lancashire. The left-hander continued his form with two well-struck drives off Kyle Abbott.
Although Josh de Caires was dismissed by a diving catch from Fuller, Middlesex appeared comfortable at 66-1 before the Hampshire spinners seized control.
Fernandes’ innings of 42 ended when he was trapped lbw by Neal, and Dawson then dismissed Ben Geddes in similar fashion before having Higgins caught at slip.
The spin duo, along with seamer Eddie Jack, stifled Middlesex’s scoring rate in the middle overs, leaving Robson to anchor the innings and capitalize on loose deliveries.
Joe Cracknell launched a brief counter-attack, hitting a six and two fours in one Fuller over to reach 22 from as many balls. However, Fuller responded by dismissing both Cracknell and Gohar in quick succession.
Brown’s sharp stumping to remove Robson secured Hampshire’s third wicket, seemingly ending Middlesex’s hopes. However, Roland-Jones launched a late assault, hitting Abbott for three boundaries.
He added 45 runs for the ninth wicket with Morgan, but Hampshire secured victory when Dawson bowled Brookes in the 46th over.
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