In a rain-affected Vitality Blast contest, MiddlesexΒ and Hampshire Hawks settled for a dramatic tie, with both teams earning a point each after a revised DLS target. Middlesex posted 75 for 1 in their chase of 76, exactly matching Hampshireβs adjusted total of 63 for 1.
Pretorius Impresses on Debut for Hampshire
South African talent Lhuan-dre Pretorius made a stunning debut for Hampshire, smashing an unbeaten 44 off just 22 balls. Having landed in the UK only a day earlier after playing in Saint Lucia, Pretorius wasted no time, launching the first delivery to the boundary with a pull shot. He continued his aggressive form, peppering the off-side with wristy strokes and a six over deep midwicket.
“π±πππππ? πΎπππ ππππππ? π° ππππ ππππππ ππ ππ πππ πππ ππππ ππ πππππππ ππππ πππ πππ ππππ,” π·ππππππππ ππππ πππππ πππ πππππ πππππ.
Pretorius, who had been highly anticipated following his standout SA20 campaign, lived up to expectations even though his stint is short-livedβboth he and Dewald Brevis will depart after June 20 to join South Africaβs Test squad.
Holdenβs Firepower Leads Middlesex Response
Following a rain delay of over two hours, the match was reduced to a six-over chase. With the DLS target set at 76, Middlesex were put under pressure early as Chris Wood opened with a maiden over.
But Max Holden responded with flair, hammering 38 from just 18 balls. He ignited the innings with a series of aggressive boundariesβtwo lucky inside edges, a lofted cover drive, and a towering six over square.
Kane Williamson chipped in with 23 runs and Ben Geddes added 10, taking the game down to the wire. The final over needed 13 runs, and Middlesex managed 12, including a crucial four and a bye off the last ball to seal the tie.
This was Hampshireβs eighth T20 tie and Middlesexβs fourth. Despite the shared points, fans were treated to an exciting contest that nearly saw a clear winner.
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