In a thrilling showdown in the Vitality Blast 2025, Hampshire Hawks edged out Middlesex on the last over at Merchant Taylors’ School, winning a vital match in the HAM vs MID showdown.
Even a 94-run performance by Stephen Eskinazi, who relinquished the Middlesex T20 captaincy earlier in the day, was not enough, as the hosts were denied, courtesy of a forceful finishing performance by James Fuller.
Eskinazi Spearheads Middlesex with Dominant 94
Middlesex batted first in the HAM vs MID Vitality Blast encounter and posted a great start as Stephen Eskinazi dominated the powerplay with Kane Williamson. Eskinazi displayed flawless timing and placement, hitting a 23-ball half-century, his third in the tournament.
He formed productive partnerships of:
69 off 40 balls with Kane Williamson (25 off 22)
82 off 51 balls with Max Holden (33 off 26)
Scott Currie’s comeback spell, however, changed the course of things. Currie sent back Eskinazi and Holden and triggered a dramatic collapse of 7 wickets for 34 runs, which kept Middlesex under the 200-mark. A couple of late boundaries off Luke Hollman took them to a total over 180.
Scott Currie and Luke Hollman Trigger Middlesex Collapse
Currie ended with an impressive 4 for 32, with the crucial scalp of Eskinazi, removing his off stump six runs short of a well-deserved century. Luke Hollman (2 for 21) was also instrumental, getting rid of Tom Prest and Joe Weatherley in a critical middle period of the game.
James Vince, Joe Weatherley Give Hawks Early Momentum
Hampshire openers batted well in reply as James Vince (27 off 17) played some elegant boundaries. Still, wickets at intervals kept the chase in abeyance. Weatherley played two huge sixes in his 41 off 22 but was dismissed by Hollman’s cryptic googly, who pulled Middlesex back into the match.
James Fuller’s Heroics Seal Win for Hampshire
With the game poised at 31 required from 13 balls for Hampshire, former Middlesex all-rounder James Fuller turned the tide. A ninth over from Noah Cornwell with four byes and a no-ball gave the initiative to the visitors. Fuller seized the opportunity, hitting a six off the free hit later, followed by two successive boundaries off Ryan Higgins to get the win with two balls remaining.
Vitality Blast 2025 Playoff Race Heats Up
This victory in the HAM vs MID Vitality Blast encounter keeps Hampshire in the playoff hunt, while Middlesex bemoan what might have been despite Eskinazi’s brilliance.
Match Summary – HAM vs MID, Vitality Blast 2025
Venue: Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood
Result: Hampshire Hawks won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: James Fuller – 43* off 26 balls
Top Performers:
Stephen Eskinazi – 94 (48)
Scott Currie – 4/32
Joe Weatherley – 41 (22)
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